My basil started taking over the window box herb garden, so I decided to put it to good use and make some pesto. Did you know that you can make pesto with nuts other than pine nuts? I don't remember where I read this, but somewhere in my culinary research I stumbled upon this remarkable fact. I used almonds as a substitute, but you can also use walnuts or pecans.
Here's the recipe for the pesto:
2 cups (packed) fresh basil leaves
1/4 cup slivered almonds
1 garlic clove
1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
2/3 cup olive oil
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
In a food processor combine the basil, almonds, garlic, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and pepper until finely chopped.
I put the garlic clove in whole and it chopped up quite well. |
It will look something like this. |
Recipe adapted from Everyday Italian, by Giada De Laurentis
For the Pizza:
Roll out one unbaked pizza dough disc. Spread desired amount of pesto on top (I used about 1/2 cup).
Place sliced grilled chicken, from 1 grilled chicken breast, evenly over pesto. Sprinkle with 2 cups mozzarella cheese.
Bake in a 450F oven for 15-18 minutes, until cheese is brown and crust is cooked.
Yum! That looks so delicious! If you have any basil to spare, can you pick some before you leave and bring me some?
ReplyDeleteThis looks so good!! I've been wanting to try my hand at making some pesto. Good to know I don't have to use pine nuts. And I really want to make this pizza! :)
ReplyDeleteyum. I want to try this. I love pesto and we love making our own pizza!!! thanks!
ReplyDelete