Learn how to make pesto in the traditional rustic way, as well as the quick modern way. Find out about the different variations and get some great recipes using pesto!
When you first think of pesto, you probably think of the traditional Genovese version. But did you know that pesto is actually a type of sauce, not a flavor? Let's look a little closer at the two methods for how to make pesto, as well as my favorite Genovese recipe, and other recipes that use pesto.
What Is Pesto?
Pestos are an entire family of n0-cook sauces made by using whole ingredients and grinding them down into a paste. Pesto actually translates into pestle, which is the traditional way of making pesto. Some of the well known versions of pesto are:
- Genovese Pesto. This is made of basil, garlic, pine nuts, cheese and olive oil, and is the Italian version of pesto.
- Pistou. This French version is similar to the Italian, but has fresh tomatoes and no pine nuts.
- Anchoïade. This version is made using anchovies with garlic, herbs, oil, and sometimes olives.
- Tapenade. Often used as a spread, this version favors olives, capers, and olive oil.
How To Make Pesto In A Mortar and Pestle
If you're going for authenticity though, using a mortar and pestle will give you the best results.
- Paste. Add the ingredients that aren't herbs, liquid, or cheese into the bottom of the mortar. Lightly pound and grind to form a creamy paste.
- Herbs. Add in the fresh herbs (working in layers if needed) and grind until the pesto is formed and the leaves have been crushed into small pieces.
- Fold. Gently fold in the olive oil and cheese (if used) with a wooden spoon or the pestle until combined. Season with salt and pepper.
One thing to note about using a mortar and pestle: If you fill it too much, the ingredients will fly out of the mortar when pounded; especially dry ingredients like the pine nuts. Once the harder ingredients have been cracked, grinding will do the bulk of your work for you, and help keep everything inside. Also, using the traditional mortar and pestle method allows you better control over texture. I personally like my pesto a bit chunkier.
How To Make Pesto In A Food Processor
If you're making a large batch of pesto, you may find that you prefer using a food processor. It's much faster than a mortar and pestle, and usually maintains color better than grinding.
- Pulse. Place all your ingredients except the oil into the food processor. Pulse until the ingredients are chopped small, scraping down the sides as needed.
- Liquid. Drizzle in the olive oil while continuing to pulse until the desired consistency is reached. Season with salt and pepper.
Unless you're making enough for freezing or for a restaurant, you want to use the smallest food processor you have. If your food processor is too large, it won't chop the ingredients small enough before adding the olive oil; and if you remember from our discussion of making vinaigrettes, if you are too vigorous with your olive oil it will become bitter. While there are certain benefits to the speed and ease of using a food processor, it also comes with subtleties to avoid.
Genovese Pesto
Also known as Pesto alla Genovese, this is the most common form of pesto available. As a beloved sauce, it's flavor is bright and refreshing, but still comforting at the same time. You can use it as a base, a spread, a sauce, or a garnish for many different meals!
Get your free printable grocery list for this Genovese Pesto recipe HERE.
Above you’ll find a printable grocery list for everything you’ll need to make your Genovese pesto. If no amounts are listed, you can purchase the smallest amount the store offers and still have some leftover.
Practice Makes Perfect: Recipes Using Pesto
If you would like to try out some of my favorite recipes that use pesto, I recommend:
Thanks so much for stopping by!
Happy Cooking! 🙂
How To Make Pesto + Recipes Using Pesto
Ingredients
- 2 garlic cloves, , peeled
- 3 teaspoon toasted pine nuts
- 4 oz fresh basil leaves
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 oz parmesan cheese, , grated
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
Instructions
- Grind together the garlic and pine nuts until a smooth, creamy paste is made. If you're using coarse salt, add it as well.
- Next, working in batches, add in the basil leaves until a paste is formed and the leaves are crushed and broken down into small pieces.
- Gently fold in the olive oil and grated cheese until incorporated.
Christine says
I love pesto in all its forms - Looking forward to fresh herbs this summer so I can try out some of these versions!
Mackenzie Ryan says
I'm with you there Christine! We moved to a new house last year and it was too late to plant herbs, so I'm super super excited for this year so I can stock up!
Whitney Bond says
I love pesto on eggs!
Mackenzie Ryan says
Yum! Me, too Whitney!
Leah says
I love pesto, and any form of pesto, and these all sound fantastic! I had never heard of the Pistou version, so I must try that ASAP. I have pesto that I make and keep in the freezer to throw in a meal anytime, so I get the love of pesto!
Mackenzie Ryan says
We moved last year and I didn't get to make the freezer batches that I usually do, Leah, so I'm really looking forward to growing some fresh basil this year and stocking up!
Ashley says
Love all the inspired variations you have here. I sometimes forget how versatile pesto can be!
Mackenzie Ryan says
Me too, Ashley. I've really enjoyed the renaissance of complete utilization that is going on, and how it's bringing new flavors to pesto. Like carrot tops and dandelion greens!
michele says
Genovese pesto has always been my pesto of choice..... but the Anchoide one you mention is making it on my table in the near future! I love how fresh the flavors are in making any pesto, and the fact that they come together quick is always a bonus!
Mackenzie Ryan says
How true, Michele! All it takes is a few minutes with a lot of ingredients I already have around, and wham-o, my meal has been upgraded to extra stupendous!
Mark says
Pesto is one of my favorites and I like how your post gives multiple versions and recipes. Another one I like is to replace the basil with fresh, rosemary leaves.
Mackenzie Ryan says
That sounds so good, Mark. I used to find that Rosemary would get too strong for me too quickly, but it's quickly become one of my favorite herbs. I'll have to try this!