Pesto, with its vibrant green hue and intense flavor, is more than just a sauce for pasta. This fragrant blend of basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil is a culinary chameleon, capable of transforming ordinary dishes into extraordinary experiences. If you’ve ever wondered, “What can I put pesto on?”, prepare to embark on a delicious journey of culinary possibilities. This article explores the myriad ways to use pesto, from classic pairings to innovative creations, ensuring you unlock the full potential of this flavorful condiment.
The Classics: Pasta, Pizza, and Beyond
Pesto’s most recognizable role is undoubtedly as a pasta sauce. The creamy, nutty, and herbaceous flavors cling beautifully to various pasta shapes, creating a simple yet satisfying meal. But the world of pesto extends far beyond the pasta bowl.
Pasta Perfection: A Match Made in Culinary Heaven
The combination of pesto and pasta is a timeless classic for good reason. The sauce effortlessly coats each strand, delivering a burst of flavor with every bite. Experiment with different pasta shapes to find your favorite pairing.
Think beyond spaghetti and penne. Try pesto with trofie, a Ligurian pasta shape that’s specifically designed to capture the sauce’s rich texture. Or consider orecchiette, the “little ears” pasta, which provides ample surface area for the pesto to cling to. For a heartier meal, try it with gnocchi, those soft potato dumplings that soak up the sauce beautifully.
Adding a few simple ingredients can elevate your pesto pasta even further. Cherry tomatoes, sun-dried tomatoes, grilled chicken, shrimp, or toasted pine nuts are all excellent additions. A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese or a drizzle of balsamic glaze can also add a finishing touch.
Pizza’s New Best Friend: Pesto as a Base or Topping
Move over, tomato sauce! Pesto makes an exceptional pizza base, offering a vibrant alternative to the traditional red sauce. Its rich flavors complement a wide range of toppings, creating a pizza that’s both flavorful and visually appealing.
Consider pairing pesto with mozzarella, ricotta, or goat cheese. Vegetables like artichoke hearts, roasted red peppers, mushrooms, and spinach also work well. For a meaty pizza, try adding grilled chicken, prosciutto, or Italian sausage.
You can also use pesto as a finishing drizzle on your pizza. After baking, add a dollop of pesto to each slice for an extra burst of flavor. This works particularly well with pizzas that already have a tomato-based sauce.
More Than Just Pasta and Pizza: Expanding the Pesto Universe
While pasta and pizza are classic pesto pairings, there are many other ways to enjoy this versatile sauce. Think of pesto as a flavor enhancer that can be added to a variety of dishes.
Spread it on sandwiches or wraps for a boost of flavor. Use it as a marinade for chicken, fish, or tofu. Add a spoonful to soups or stews for a richer, more complex flavor. The possibilities are endless.
Elevating Everyday Dishes with Pesto
Pesto isn’t just for fancy meals. It can also elevate everyday dishes, adding a touch of gourmet flair to even the simplest recipes. From eggs to vegetables, pesto can transform ordinary ingredients into culinary masterpieces.
Eggs-cellent Creations: Pesto with Eggs
Pesto and eggs are a surprisingly delicious combination. Whether you’re making scrambled eggs, omelets, or frittatas, adding a spoonful of pesto can take your breakfast to the next level.
Try swirling pesto into scrambled eggs for a creamy, flavorful breakfast. Or add it to an omelet along with cheese and vegetables. For a more substantial meal, try a frittata with pesto, spinach, and mushrooms.
Pesto also works well with poached eggs. Serve poached eggs on toast with a dollop of pesto and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for a simple yet elegant breakfast or brunch.
Vegetable Variety: Pesto’s Veggie Ventures
Pesto is a fantastic way to add flavor to vegetables. Whether you’re roasting, grilling, or steaming your veggies, a little pesto can make all the difference.
Toss roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts, carrots, or potatoes with pesto for a flavorful side dish. Or grill zucchini, eggplant, or bell peppers and then drizzle with pesto.
Pesto also works well with steamed vegetables like green beans or broccoli. Simply toss the steamed vegetables with pesto and serve.
Sandwiches and Wraps: Pesto’s Portable Power
Pesto is a great way to add flavor to sandwiches and wraps. Spread it on bread or tortillas before adding your other ingredients.
Pesto works well with a variety of sandwich fillings, including grilled chicken, turkey, ham, and vegetables. It also pairs well with cheeses like mozzarella, provolone, and feta.
For a vegetarian sandwich, try spreading pesto on bread and then adding roasted vegetables, hummus, and sprouts. Or make a Caprese sandwich with pesto, mozzarella, and tomatoes.
Pesto as a Culinary Ingredient
Beyond using it as a sauce or topping, pesto can be incorporated directly into recipes, adding a unique flavor profile to a variety of dishes. From baked goods to savory creations, pesto can be a secret ingredient that elevates your cooking.
Baking with Pesto: Savory Delights
While pesto is typically associated with savory dishes, it can also be used in baking. Adding pesto to bread, muffins, or scones can create a delicious and unexpected flavor.
Try adding pesto to a batch of savory muffins with cheese and herbs. Or bake a loaf of pesto bread with sun-dried tomatoes and olives.
Pesto can also be used in scones. Add it to the dough along with Parmesan cheese and rosemary for a savory treat.
Soups and Stews: Pesto’s Depth of Flavor
Adding a spoonful of pesto to soups and stews can add depth and complexity to the flavor. The basil, garlic, and cheese in pesto create a rich and savory base that complements a variety of ingredients.
Try adding pesto to tomato soup for a richer, more flavorful version of this classic dish. Or add it to vegetable soup for a boost of flavor.
Pesto also works well in stews. Add it to chicken stew, beef stew, or vegetable stew for a more complex and flavorful meal.
Dips and Spreads: Pesto’s Party Piece
Pesto can be used to create a variety of dips and spreads. Mix it with cream cheese, ricotta cheese, or sour cream for a quick and easy dip.
Serve pesto dip with crackers, vegetables, or bread. Or use it as a spread for sandwiches or wraps.
Pesto can also be used to make a more elaborate dip. Try mixing it with artichoke hearts, mayonnaise, and Parmesan cheese for a creamy and flavorful dip.
Beyond Basil: Exploring Pesto Variations
While traditional pesto is made with basil, there are many other variations that you can try. Experiment with different herbs, nuts, and cheeses to create your own unique pesto flavors.
Herbaceous Adventures: Different Herbs for Different Flavors
Instead of basil, try using other herbs like cilantro, parsley, or mint to make pesto. Each herb will create a unique flavor profile that will complement different dishes.
Cilantro pesto is great with Mexican food. Parsley pesto works well with fish and seafood. Mint pesto is a refreshing addition to salads and sandwiches.
You can also combine different herbs to create a more complex flavor. Try a combination of basil, parsley, and mint for a versatile pesto that can be used in a variety of dishes.
Nutty Alternatives: Swapping Pine Nuts
Pine nuts are the traditional nut used in pesto, but you can also use other nuts like walnuts, almonds, or pistachios. Each nut will create a slightly different flavor and texture.
Walnut pesto has a slightly bitter flavor that pairs well with strong cheeses. Almond pesto is a milder option that works well with a variety of dishes. Pistachio pesto has a slightly sweet flavor that’s great with pasta and vegetables.
Cheesy Choices: Beyond Parmesan
While Parmesan cheese is the traditional cheese used in pesto, you can also use other cheeses like Pecorino Romano, Asiago, or even goat cheese. Each cheese will add a unique flavor and texture to the pesto.
Pecorino Romano is a sheep’s milk cheese that has a sharper flavor than Parmesan. Asiago is a cow’s milk cheese that has a nutty flavor. Goat cheese adds a tangy and creamy flavor to pesto.
Tips for Making and Storing Pesto
Making your own pesto is easy, and it allows you to control the ingredients and flavor. Here are some tips for making and storing pesto:
- Use fresh ingredients: The best pesto is made with fresh basil, garlic, and Parmesan cheese.
- Toast the pine nuts: Toasting the pine nuts before adding them to the pesto will enhance their flavor.
- Use a food processor or blender: A food processor or blender will make quick work of grinding the ingredients.
- Add olive oil gradually: Add the olive oil gradually until the pesto reaches your desired consistency.
- Store pesto in the refrigerator: Pesto will keep in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- Freeze pesto for longer storage: Pesto can be frozen for up to three months.
To freeze pesto, pour it into ice cube trays and freeze. Once frozen, transfer the pesto cubes to a freezer bag. This makes it easy to thaw only the amount of pesto you need.
In conclusion, the possibilities of what you can put pesto on are truly endless. From its classic pairings with pasta and pizza to its innovative use in baking, soups, and dips, pesto is a versatile ingredient that can elevate a wide variety of dishes. So, get creative and explore the many ways to enjoy this flavorful green delight!
What are some unexpected ways to use pesto beyond pasta?
Pesto’s vibrant flavor lends itself to a surprising number of dishes. Think beyond the traditional pasta toss and consider using it as a flavorful spread on sandwiches, wraps, and even grilled cheese. Its herby notes complement proteins like chicken, turkey, and tofu beautifully, adding a burst of freshness to your midday meal.
Further exploring its versatility, pesto can also elevate your breakfast game. Stir a dollop into scrambled eggs or omelets for an herbaceous boost. Spread it on toast with sliced tomatoes and a sprinkle of feta cheese for a quick and satisfying breakfast. Even a simple avocado toast benefits from a swirl of pesto on top.
Can pesto be used as a marinade for meat or vegetables?
Absolutely! Pesto makes an excellent marinade, imparting both flavor and moisture to meat and vegetables. The oil in pesto helps to tenderize the protein, while the basil, garlic, and parmesan cheese contribute a complex and savory profile. Marinate chicken, steak, pork, or even tofu for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight for deeper flavor.
For vegetables, pesto works wonderfully on zucchini, bell peppers, eggplant, and cherry tomatoes. Toss them with pesto and roast them in the oven for a delicious and flavorful side dish. The pesto will caramelize slightly during roasting, creating a rich and satisfying taste.
How can I incorporate pesto into appetizers?
Pesto shines in appetizer presentations due to its vibrant color and concentrated flavor. Consider making pesto pinwheels using puff pastry or crescent dough, spreading pesto and cheese onto the dough before rolling, slicing, and baking. These are always a crowd-pleaser.
Another fantastic option is to use pesto as a dip. Mix it with ricotta cheese or cream cheese for a creamy and flavorful spread that pairs perfectly with crackers, vegetables, or baguette slices. You can also create miniature pesto pizzas using baguette rounds or crackers as the base, topped with mozzarella and sun-dried tomatoes.
Is pesto suitable for topping pizzas?
Yes, pesto is a fantastic pizza topping, either as a base sauce or as a finishing drizzle. Spread a thin layer of pesto onto the pizza dough instead of traditional tomato sauce for a unique and flavorful base. Top with your favorite cheeses, vegetables, and meats.
Alternatively, you can bake your pizza with tomato sauce and cheese as usual, then drizzle pesto over the top after it comes out of the oven. This adds a fresh and vibrant flavor without the pesto becoming overly browned. Experiment with different combinations like pesto, mozzarella, and cherry tomatoes, or pesto, prosciutto, and arugula.
Can I use pesto in soups or stews?
Definitely! Pesto can add a wonderful depth of flavor and freshness to soups and stews. Stir a spoonful or two of pesto into your favorite vegetable soup, minestrone, or even chicken noodle soup just before serving. This will brighten the flavors and add a vibrant green hue.
It’s best to add the pesto at the end of the cooking process to preserve its fresh flavor and avoid overcooking the basil. The heat of the soup will be enough to meld the flavors together. Pesto also works well in cream-based soups, such as tomato soup or potato soup, adding a layer of complexity and herbaceousness.
Does pesto work well with seafood?
Yes, pesto pairs surprisingly well with many types of seafood. Its herbaceous and garlicky notes complement the delicate flavors of fish and shellfish. Try grilling or baking salmon, cod, or shrimp with a coating of pesto for a simple and delicious meal.
The bright and fresh flavor of pesto also works well with pasta dishes featuring seafood. Toss shrimp, scallops, or mussels with pesto and linguine for a quick and elegant dinner. You can also add a dollop of pesto to seafood risotto for an extra burst of flavor.
How can I make a pesto vinaigrette for salads?
Creating a pesto vinaigrette is a simple way to add a burst of flavor to your salads. Whisk together pesto with olive oil, lemon juice or balsamic vinegar, and a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the ratios to your preference for a thicker or thinner vinaigrette.
This vinaigrette is perfect for green salads, caprese salads, or pasta salads. It also works well as a dressing for grilled vegetables or as a marinade for chicken or fish. Consider adding a touch of honey or maple syrup for a sweeter vinaigrette.