Aromatic Perilla Pesto
Easy Homemade Perilla Pesto Recipe (How to Make Perilla Leaf Sauce)
Discover how to easily make a simple perilla pesto sauce using readily available perilla leaves or perilla sprouts. This versatile sauce adds a wonderful flavor to pasta, salads, and bread.
Key Ingredients
- 50g Fresh Perilla Leaves or Sprouts
- 30g Almonds (or Pine Nuts)
- 1 Tbsp Minced Garlic
- 3 Pinches Salt
- 20g Grana Padano Cheese (or Grated Parmesan Cheese)
- 150g Olive Oil
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Prepare the Perilla Leaves/Sprouts: Thoroughly wash the fresh perilla leaves or sprouts under running water. After washing, drain them very well; ensuring they are completely dry is crucial for longer shelf life of the pesto.
Step 2
Blanch Almonds for Easier Peeling: If you’re using pine nuts, you can skip this step. However, if using almonds, removing the skins will result in a smoother texture and a less bitter pesto.
Step 3
Effortless Almond Blanching: Bring water to a rolling boil and immerse the almonds for about 1 minute. Drain the almonds and immediately rinse them under cold water. Gently rub the almonds with your fingers, and you’ll find the skins slip off very easily. It’s surprisingly simple!
Step 4
Combine Ingredients in Food Processor: Place the dried perilla leaves (or sprouts), minced garlic, salt, blanched almonds (or pine nuts), and Grana Padano cheese (or grated Parmesan) into a food processor. Do not add the olive oil yet.
Step 5
Process Until Smooth: Secure the lid and process the ingredients until they are finely ground and form a cohesive mixture. You can stop and scrape down the sides as needed to ensure everything is evenly processed to your desired consistency.
Step 6
Emulsify with Olive Oil: Transfer the finely ground perilla mixture to a clean bowl. Now, slowly drizzle in the extra virgin olive oil while stirring continuously. The amount of olive oil will determine the final consistency of your pesto.
Step 7
Mix Thoroughly for a Creamy Texture: Continue to mix until the olive oil is fully incorporated into the perilla mixture, creating a smooth, creamy, and glossy pesto. Use a spatula or spoon for best results.
Step 8
Enjoy Your Aromatic Perilla Pesto!: Your flavorful homemade perilla pesto is ready! I made two batches using 50g of perilla sprouts each time. Spread this delicious pesto on toast, toss it with pasta, or use it as a vibrant salad dressing for a delightful twist on your favorite dishes.
