Pesto lite?
Oct. 13th, 2011 12:13 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
madbakerThis week's Resolution Recipe: Basil Oil.
1 1/2 cups packed basil leaves
3/4 cup packed parsley
1 1/2 cups olive oil
1/2 cup rapeseed oil
Wash and dry leaves, then coarsely chop. Bring a pot of water to a boil and immerse the leaves for 45 seconds, then throw them into ice water to stop the cooking (this produces a bright GREEN color). Pat dry. Puree the leaves and oil in a high-speed blender until fully blended. Place in an airtight container in the fridge for a day, then strain through cheesecloth or a flat-bottomed coffee filter (the cones will clog). Store in a cool, dark place.
What worked: A beautiful fresh-pesto light green oil that tastes like pesto (but without the garlic and cheese).
What didn't: I still got some sediment through the cheesecloth, so I should have strained it several more times.
Will I make it again? I have two cups' worth to go through first. I plan to lightly drizzle over pasta, salads, use in aioli, that sort of thing. Trying to add flavor without a lot of calories...
1 1/2 cups packed basil leaves
3/4 cup packed parsley
1 1/2 cups olive oil
1/2 cup rapeseed oil
Wash and dry leaves, then coarsely chop. Bring a pot of water to a boil and immerse the leaves for 45 seconds, then throw them into ice water to stop the cooking (this produces a bright GREEN color). Pat dry. Puree the leaves and oil in a high-speed blender until fully blended. Place in an airtight container in the fridge for a day, then strain through cheesecloth or a flat-bottomed coffee filter (the cones will clog). Store in a cool, dark place.
What worked: A beautiful fresh-pesto light green oil that tastes like pesto (but without the garlic and cheese).
What didn't: I still got some sediment through the cheesecloth, so I should have strained it several more times.
Will I make it again? I have two cups' worth to go through first. I plan to lightly drizzle over pasta, salads, use in aioli, that sort of thing. Trying to add flavor without a lot of calories...
