Check out Giolitti Deli’s perfect pesto recipe!
While you can buy decent pesto at your local grocery store, it’s always better to make it at home yourself! There’s nothing better than fresh pesto, and since basil can be found in abundance in the summer, now is the perfect time to make your own in the comfort of your home. The recipe is so easy and quick, and the options of how to enjoy pesto are endless! Check out Giolitti’s pesto recipe and a few of our suggestions of how to eat your homemade pesto.
Giolitti’s Pesto Recipe
The pesto recipe includes:
- 1 cup toasted pine nuts
- 10 cloves fresh garlic
- 5 cups basil (packed in measuring cup), washed and dried in a salad spinner
- 1 cup fresh baby spinach or arugula
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1 cup extra virgin olive oil
- ½ cup pure olive oil or vegetable oil
- 1 cup finely grated Reggiano or Grana Padana parmesan cheese
Start by pureeing the pine nuts, garlic, and salt in a food processor. Next, add the basil and spinach (or arugula) and continue to puree, then add the olive oil and vegetable oil slowly as you continue processing. Add parmesan cheese and process just until blended. Lastly, transfer the pesto to a bowl and cover the top with olive oil. Be sure to keep the surface covered to prevent discoloration of the pesto.
What To Eat With Pesto
There are so many ways to enjoy pesto! You can toss fresh pesto with your favorite pasta or gnocchi, top grilled meats, poultry, fish, and shellfish, drizzle over grilled or roasted vegetables, or on top of a Caprese salad (fresh tomatoes and mozzarella.) Add a little pesto to sour cream, Greek yogurt, or cottage cheese, and enjoy with crackers for a tasty appetizer. You can even make your own pesto pizza, with fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and fresh basil for a delicious meal!
Authentic Italian Cuisine From Giolitti Deli
Giolitti Deli is a full-service Delicatessen in Annapolis, MD, specializing in authentic Italian cuisine. Founded in 1992, we use the freshest ingredients to make time-honed recipes from scratch, with no MSG or preservatives. We believe in real food and offer many healthy options, including vegetarian and vegan menu items. At Giolitti Deli, we make our own sauces, mozzarella, grilled and roasted vegetables, bread, pizza dough, and desserts, and our sandwiches, salads, pasta, pizza, and entrees are made to order. Owner Mary Giolitti has combined her passion for great food and fine wine to offer Annapolis a true taste of Italy!
Team members who also make the business possible include Manager Kathy Hunter, Manager and Catering Director Cheryl Molesky, Head Baker Porfirio Diaz, Chef Alfredo Escobar, and Deli Manager Noe Merino. To contact us, please visit our contact page or give us a call at 410.266.8600. Also, be sure to keep up with us on Facebook, Twitter, and our blog!
Tags: Giolitti Deli, italian food, pasta, pesto, pizza, recipe