Vibrant Homemade Basil Pesto with Almond Flour
How to Make Delicious Basil Pesto Using Almond Flour
Time to make the most of your bountiful hydroponic basil! When you have an abundance of basil, making basil pesto is a fantastic way to preserve its fresh flavor. This recipe guides you through creating a delicious basil pesto using almond flour for a lovely nutty undertone. It’s perfect for pasta, bread, and more!
Ingredients- Fresh basil leaves 60g (about 2-3 packed cups)
- Almond flour 60g
- Grated Parmesan cheese 30g
- Extra virgin olive oil 10 Tbsp (adjust for consistency)
- Garlic cloves 3
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, wash the fresh basil leaves thoroughly under running water. After washing, gently pat them dry with paper towels and let them air dry completely. Excess moisture can shorten the shelf life of your pesto.
Step 2
It’s always helpful to have all your ingredients prepped and ready before you begin. Measure out the almond flour and Parmesan cheese, peel the garlic cloves, and ensure your basil leaves are clean and dry.
Step 3
Now, it’s time to combine all the prepared ingredients in a food processor or blender. Add the dried basil leaves, almond flour, grated Parmesan cheese, and the peeled garlic cloves.
Step 4
Begin by adding 10 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil. Process the mixture, and then gradually add more olive oil as needed to achieve your desired consistency. If you prefer a thinner pesto, add a little more oil; for a thicker pesto, use less or pause to scrape down the sides.
Step 5
As you process, keep an eye on the texture of the basil pesto. Aim for a consistency you enjoy – some prefer it smoother, while others like a bit of texture. Scrape down the sides of the processor bowl as needed to ensure everything is evenly blended. Stop when you reach your preferred thickness.
Step 6
Properly preparing your storage jars is crucial for keeping your homemade pesto fresh. Sterilize glass jars by boiling them in water. Once sterilized, carefully dry them with a clean kitchen towel, ensuring they are completely dry before filling.
Step 7
Spoon the finished basil pesto into the sterilized jars, pressing down gently to minimize air pockets. To further preserve its freshness, top the pesto with a thin layer of olive oil. This oil layer acts as a barrier, helping to maintain the vibrant flavor and aroma for longer. When you use the pesto, simply scoop it out from beneath the oil layer.
Step 8
Now that you have your delicious homemade basil pesto, get creative with it! It’s especially wonderful when tossed with pasta, paired with fresh tomatoes for a classic Tomato Basil Pasta dish.
Step 9
The combination of sweet tomatoes and aromatic basil creates a wonderfully rich and satisfying flavor profile. Beyond pasta, try spreading it on toast, using it as a salad dressing, or as a sauce for grilled meats. Enjoy experimenting!
