Pesto

Pesto is an Italian sauce, generally attributed to the Liguria region of Northern Italy, specifically the city of Genoa (pesto alla Genovese). It has been known, in various forms, since Roman times, and probably originated in North Africa.

Related Topics:
Italian - Sauce - Liguria - Genoa

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Today, basil (Pra's Basil for the original pesto alla Genovese), garlic, salt, pine nuts, olive oil, and Parmigiano Reggiano cheese are the main conventional ingredients. The sauce did not originally contain basil, however. Instead, cheese and olive oil were the main constituents. It is commonly used on breads and pasta, though its use is not restricted to these; the sauce is highly versatile. In commercial pesto, cashew nuts are often used instead of pine nuts, as they are cheaper and have a similar texture. In addition, the Parmigiano is often replaced by cheaper varieties of cheese, such as Grana Padano and Pecorino Romano.

Related Topics:
Basil - Garlic - Salt - Pine nut - Olive oil - Parmigiano Reggiano - Bread - Pasta - Cashew nuts - Grana Padano - Pecorino Romano

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Pesto, usually sold in small jars, is commonly available in stores in the basic green (original) or red (with sun-dried tomatoes) varieties, produced by major maufacturers or under the store's 'own-brand'. Other variations with ingredients such as arugula ("rocket salad"; instead of basil) or coriander also exist. A German variety uses ramsons leaves instead of basil.

Related Topics:
Arugula - Coriander - Ramsons

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