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Quick & Easy Pistachio Pesto: A Flavorful Twist on Classic Pesto

Stephen Sepcich
Aug 26
5 min read

Deliciously Nutty Pesto Recipe: Elevate Your Dishes

Pesto is a classic Italian sauce that has gained popularity worldwide for its vibrant flavor and versatility. Traditionally made with a mortar and pestle using basil, garlic, pine nuts, and Parmigiano Reggiano, pesto has evolved over the years, allowing for various nut combinations and even different green herbs. In this blog post, we will explore a twist on the traditional recipe by incorporating pistachios, which add a delightful nuttiness and a beautiful green hue to the sauce, as well as making the process easier to make with a food processor. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice, this easy-to-follow recipe will have you whipping up a batch of homemade pesto in no time. Let’s dive into the ingredients and the step-by-step process to create this deliciously nutty pesto.

Ingredients

To make this wonderful pistachio pesto, gather the following ingredients:

Half a cup of pistachios
A quarter cup of pine nuts (optional)
2-4 cloves of garlic
A cup and a half to two cups of fresh basil leaves
1/2 cup of high-quality extra virgin olive oil
Salt to taste
Parmigiano Reggiano, freshly grated

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Start by preparing your ingredients. If you’re using raw pistachios, consider toasting them lightly in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently. Toasting enhances their flavor and adds depth to your pesto. If you decide to include pine nuts, toast them in the same manner, but be cautious as they can burn quickly. Peel the garlic cloves and wash the basil leaves thoroughly to remove any dirt. Pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel or use a salad spinner to remove excess moisture.

Step 2: Blend the Garlic and Nuts

In a food processor, put about a quarter of your olive oil and your cloves of garlic. Pulse them until the garlic is completely incorporated into the oil. While one of the best parts of a pesto is the texture, we do this step first to ensure that garlic flavor is dispersed evenly throughout, which is our preference. Then, toss in the pistachios and pine nuts (if using). Pulse them together until they form a coarse mixture. You want to break down the nuts without turning them into a fine paste. The texture should remain slightly chunky to provide a delightful crunch in your pesto.

Step 3: Add the Basil and Cheese

Next, add the fresh basil leaves and freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano to the food processor. Pulse the mixture again until everything is well incorporated. The vibrant green color will start to emerge, and your kitchen will be filled with the aromatic scent of fresh basil.

Step 4: Incorporate the Olive Oil

With the food processor running, slowly drizzle in the rest of your olive oil. This step is crucial as it helps to emulsify the ingredients, creating a smooth and creamy texture. Stop periodically to scrape down the sides of the bowl with a spatula, ensuring everything is evenly mixed.

Step 5: Adjust Consistency

If your pesto is too thick, you can adjust the consistency by adding a little more olive oil or a splash of water. Keep blending until you reach your desired texture. Remember, pesto should be smooth but still have some body to it. Once the consistency is where you want it, add salt to taste.

Step 6: Store or Serve

Your pistachio pesto is now ready to be enjoyed! You can serve it immediately over pasta, spread it on sandwiches, or use it as a delicious dressing for meats. If you have leftovers, store the pesto in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To keep it fresh, drizzle a thin layer of olive oil on top before sealing. It should last for about a week.

Creative Ways to Use Pistachio Pesto

Pesto is incredibly versatile, and there are countless ways to incorporate it into your meals. Here are some creative ideas:

Pasta Dishes: Toss your favorite pasta with a generous amount of pesto for a quick and flavorful meal. Add grilled chicken, cherry tomatoes, or sautéed vegetables for extra nutrition. Our favorite is a simple pistachio pesto pasta!
Sandwich Spread: Use pesto as a spread on sandwiches or wraps instead of mayonnaise or mustard. It adds a burst of flavor that elevates any sandwich.
Pizza Topping: Drizzle pesto over pizza before baking for a fresh twist on a classic dish. It pairs wonderfully with mozzarella and fresh vegetables.
Salad Dressing: Thin out your pesto with a bit of lemon juice and additional olive oil to create a vibrant salad dressing.
Marinade: Use pesto as a marinade for grilled meats or vegetables, infusing them with flavor.

Conclusion

Making your own pistachio pesto is not only easy but also a fun way to experiment with flavors in the kitchen. The combination of pistachios, fresh basil, and Parmigiano Reggiano creates a unique and delicious sauce that can enhance a variety of dishes. So, gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and enjoy the delightful taste of homemade pesto. Happy cooking!

Traditional Latin Mass Reading - August 26

EPISTLE

I Cor. 15:1-10

Brethren: Now I make known unto you brethren, the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye received, wherein also ye stand, by which also ye are saved, if ye hold fast the word which I preached unto you, except ye believed in vain. For I delivered unto you first of all that which also I received: that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; and that he was buried; and that he hath been raised on the third day according to the scriptures; and that he appeared to Cephas; then to the twelve; then he appeared to above five hundred brethren at once, of whom the greater part remain until now, but some are fallen asleep; then he appeared to James; then to all the apostles; and last of all, as to the child untimely born, he appeared to me also. For I am the least of the apostles, that am not meet to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not found vain.

GOSPEL

Mark 7:31-37

At that time, Jesus went out from the borders of Tyre, and came through Sidon unto the sea of Galilee, through the midst of the borders of Decapolis. And they bring unto him one that was deaf, and had an impediment in his speech; and they beseech him to lay his hand upon him. And he took him aside from the multitude privately, and put his fingers into his ears, and he spat, and touched his tongue; and looking up to heaven, he sighed, and saith unto him, "Ephphatha," that is, "Be opened."And his ears were opened, and the bond of his tongue was loosed, and he spake plain. And he charged them that they should tell no man: but the more he charged them, so much the more a great deal they published it. And they were beyond measure astonished, saying, "He hath done all things well; he maketh even the deaf to hear, and the dumb to speak."