4 Easy Tips for Making Perfect Homemade Pesto

Pesto
Photo by Caroline Attwood on Unsplash

Store-bought pesto is always a convenient route when you are in a hurry and want to make a quick pasta dish. But true pasta lovers know that nothing beats homemade pesto. It is better compared to the jarred version in taste, consistency, and everything else. The recipe for homemade pesto is fairly simple, although getting it right can seem like an impossible task. But it doesn’t have to be if you use the following tips.

Use High-Quality Ingredients

Don’t opt for basic ingredients for your homemade pesto. If you want it perfect, you have to use high-quality stuff. This includes Genovese basil, Italian pine nuts, extra virgin olive oil, and either Parmesan or pecorino cheese.

Fresh Garlic is a Must

Garlic is an essential addition if you want to have a perfect pesto. You should only use fresh garlic, preferably spring garlic, and add a single clove to avoid pesto having an overpowering garlic taste.

Swap Food Processor for Mortar and Pestle

The food processor is the fastest and most convenient method for making pesto, but it isn’t the best one. To make perfect pesto, you will have to turn to manual methods of mortar and pestle. Making pesto with mortar and pestle allows you to achieve the proper texture and make individual flavors mesh better.

Taste as You Go

Finally, it is crucial to taste the pesto as you are making it. This will allow you to add the right amount of salt and adjust the ingredients until you get the perfect taste.