Presto! Pestos!

[Skylace]

Pesto is such a handy "condiment" and is definitely growing in popularity here in the states. Tonight it even turned my hot dog into a "gourmet" meal. However, what actually made it so nice was the fact that I made the pesto myself.
The great thing about pesto is it's versatility and how easy it is to make. I'm posting the recipe I used and am planning on posting some more. Of course, anyone who wants to share there's please do!

Basil-pistachio pesto
2 garlic cloves
1/2 cup shelled pistachios
2 cups loosely packed basil
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1/4 cup Parmigiano Reggiano cheese

1. To prepare pesto, place garlic in food processor; pulse until chopped. Add pistachios, basil, lemon juice and salt; pulse until nuts are finely chopped.

2. Add olive oil gradually through food chute and process until well combined. Add cheese and pulse 2 or 3 times.

Hints: If you use salted pistachios and want to cut down on the salt you can either skip the salt being added or half the measurement; Pesto freezes great, place in an ice cube tray to take out for individual use later in other recipes, etc.

[eefanincan]

Wow -- I've never heard of pistaschio's in pesto but I can see how this would work. Of course, it's all just a migraine to me, but it sounds delish

[Skylace]

Don't make it for sure then!

[SpursFan1902]

It is sort of like salsa in that there are so many variations. I love pesto, but eefan, you stay away! <3 <3

[Skylace]

That's so true Spurs. It's always amazing the different type of salsa's there are.

I did try another pesto recipe recently that used cilantro, lime and walnuts (instead of the usual basil, lemon and pine nuts) It was okay. It was really nice as a shrimp dip but I'm going to try it again without as much olive oil as was recommended by the recipe and then post both.