Aromatic Perilla Pesto
♥ [Newlywed’s Table] Making a Special Vegetarian Perilla Pesto
Introducing a delicious vegetarian pesto made with perilla leaves, a unique Korean herb! With this healthy and fresh perilla pesto, you can create endless dishes, from spreading it on bread to using it in pasta. As a unique alternative to basil pesto, try making this ‘Korea Jam’ full of perilla’s charm!
Ingredients
- 15 or more fresh perilla leaves (approx. 18 leaves recommended)
- 0.5 Tbsp minced garlic
- 3 Tbsp pine nuts
- 7 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 pinch of salt (approx. 1 coffee spoon of coarse salt)
- 3 Tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Prepare all the ingredients to make a perilla pesto that captures the unique Korean flavor, replacing basil. The key is to preserve the fresh, aromatic essence of the perilla leaves.
Step 2
First, wash the perilla leaves thoroughly under running water. After patting them dry, roughly chop them into large pieces as they will be blended into the pesto. (Tip: Using about 18 perilla leaves will give you a rich aroma and flavor.)
Step 3
Prepare the pine nuts, which will add richness and depth to your pesto. Measure out 3 tablespoons of pine nuts and add them. Pine nuts are the ‘secret ingredient’ that will make your pesto’s taste richer and smoother.
Step 4
Add minced garlic to enhance the pesto’s savory notes. Include 0.5 tablespoon of minced garlic to add its characteristic pungent aroma and flavor.
Step 5
Pour in 7 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil to achieve a smooth consistency for the pesto. Olive oil helps all the ingredients blend well and controls the pesto’s thickness.
Step 6
Add 3 tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese to further enrich the flavor. The saltiness and umami of the cheese will harmonize wonderfully with the perilla’s fragrance.
Step 7
Prepare the salt for seasoning. For coarse salt, about 1 coffee spoon is a good starting point. Adjust the amount to your taste.
Step 8
Place all the prepared ingredients into a blender or food processor and blend until smooth. Continue blending until you achieve a smooth, lump-free pesto consistency. (Tip: If the mixture is too thick, add a little more olive oil to adjust the consistency.)
Step 9
Voila! Your simple yet healthy ‘Korea Jam’ perilla pesto is complete. Enjoy it in various ways, such as spreading it on toast like jam or using it as a pasta sauce!
