Pesto alla Genovese is a traditional Italian sauce, and its name recalls its origins and its preparation. ‘Pesto’ making process includes ‘pestare’ (to pound) all the ingredients in a mortar and ‘Genovese’ from Genova, where it made its first appearance in the city of Genoa in the Liguria region, which is the cradle of aromatic herbs.
The Pesto’s original ingredients are fresh basil, extra virgin olive oil, parmesan and pecorino cheese, pinenuts and garlic.
We all have tasted, sooner or later, the classic ‘Pasta al pesto’, but Pesto Genovese sauce can be used in many ways, check out our five good suggestions to go beyond pasta with pesto.
1.Use Pesto as a salad Condiment
Pesto can be used in salad mixing, for example, with chicken and potato salad or with a simple mixed green salad. Its nutty flavour works well with meat or egg salads. Simply use it as the main dressing ingredient. Pesto is also a great alternative to dress your ‘Caprese’ (mozzarella, fresh tomato and basil) salad differently.
2.Top or toss your grilled vegetables
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What is more delicious than grilled fresh aubergine, courgette, peppers or tomato for a barbecue or an al fresco summer dinner? Why not top your grilled vegetable with a fresh Pesto alla Genovese for the perfect touch? And for the winter months, Pesto alla Genovese can be used for your roasted root vegetables, squash, pumpkin and mushrooms.
3.Pizza or Focaccia
Bored of the usual pizza toppings? Why not try this vegetarian pizza recipe combined with creamy goat’s cheese, aubergine and fresh basil? And what about yummy focaccia with basil pesto topping?
4.Mix it with breadcrumbs
Do you have stale bread and the last bit of your pesto? Why not whiz the two together, add some lemon, olives, or capers, then spread it on chunky white fish (haddock or cod) or chicken and bake?
5.Couscous and Basil
Sometimes couscous salad can be a plain taste if vegetables are not in season, so why not jazz it up to a tasty couscous salad by mixing Pesto alla Genovese with couscous with baked root vegetables with or without the chicken option?
Zaino Food Pesto Monteargento fresh Pesto alla Genovese has won the Gambero Rosso price for 2023 and is made with the same care you would find in your restaurant by your chef. Head to our shop and try any of the ideas above.
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