Elevate your culinary repertoire with this Irresistible Sage Walnut Pesto, a luxurious twist on a classic favorite. This refined pesto boasts the earthiness of sage and the rich, buttery texture of walnuts, creating a harmonious blend that transforms any pasta dish into a gourmet experience. Its vibrant hue and fragrant aroma invite you to savor every bite, making this pesto a unique addition to both casual dinners and elegant gatherings.
Why Make This Recipe
- Effortless Yet Elegant: This dish comes together in mere minutes, marrying sophistication with simplicity.
- Minimal Ingredients: A handful of high-quality ingredients is all you need to create a flavor-packed sauce.
- Impressive Flavor: The fragrant sage and creamy walnuts offer a delightful contrast that elevates ordinary pasta to extraordinary heights.
Ingredients
Base:
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves, packed
- 1 cup fresh sage leaves, packed
Sauce:
- 1 cup walnuts, toasted
- 2 cloves garlic, peeled
- 1/2 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil, room temperature
- Salt and pepper to taste
Topping:
- Additional grated Parmigiano-Reggiano, for serving
- Fresh sage leaves, for garnish
How to Make Irresistible Sage Walnut Pesto
- Prepare the Ingredients: Wash and dry the basil and sage leaves carefully. Toast the walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently until golden and fragrant, about 5–7 minutes. Let them cool slightly.
- Blend the Mixture: In a food processor, combine the toasted walnuts, garlic, fresh basil, and sage leaves. Pulse until finely chopped, creating a fragrant herb mixture.
- Incorporate Cheese: Add the grated Parmigiano-Reggiano to the herb mixture. Pulse again until well combined.
- Emulsify with Oil: With the processor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Scrape down the sides as needed.
- Taste and Season: Adjust the flavor with salt and pepper. For a balanced taste, it should have a hint of saltiness and a peppery finish.
How to Serve Irresistible Sage Walnut Pesto
For a refined presentation, serve the pesto tossed with al dente pasta, such as fettuccine or pappardelle. Drizzle a touch of olive oil over the top and garnish with fresh sage leaves and additional grated Parmigiano-Reggiano. Consider plating it in a warm, shallow bowl to enhance the colors and textures. A sprig of sage can add a beautiful touch, embodying the essence of your dish.
How to Store Irresistible Sage Walnut Pesto
To preserve the vibrant color and rich flavor, store the pesto in an airtight container. Cover the surface with a thin layer of olive oil to prevent oxidation. For the best results, refrigerate and consume within one week. To reheat, gently warm on low heat, stirring continuously, and add a splash of water if needed to restore the desired consistency.
Tips to Make Irresistible Sage Walnut Pesto
- Use Quality Ingredients: Opt for fresh, organic herbs and high-quality olive oil for the best flavor.
- Toast Walnuts to Enhance Flavor: Toasting intensifies the walnuts’ nuttiness, adding depth to your pesto.
- Adjust Consistency: If a thinner consistency is desired, incorporate more olive oil or a little pasta cooking water.
- Experiment with Cheese: Try experimenting with different aged cheeses like pecorino for a sharper note.
- Chill Your Bowl: For an extra touch, chill your mixing bowl prior to blending to keep the pesto fresh and vibrant.
Variation
For a unique twist, consider adding roasted red peppers to the mixture for a sweet depth of flavor. Alternatively, replace walnuts with toasted pine nuts for a classic pine nut pesto that retains the same elegance.
FAQs
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
While fresh herbs provide the best flavor, you may use dried sage in a pinch. Use about one-third the amount, as dried herbs are more concentrated.
How can I use leftover pesto?
Leftover pesto can enhance many dishes, such as grilled chicken, fish, or spread on sandwiches. It works beautifully as a dip or even drizzled over grilled vegetables.
Can I freeze the pesto for later use?
Yes, freezing is an excellent option. Spoon the pesto into ice cube trays, freeze, and then transfer the cubes to a freezer bag. This allows you to enjoy fresh pesto in instant portions.
Conclusion
The Irresistible Sage Walnut Pesto seamlessly combines elegance and simplicity, transforming ordinary pasta into an exquisite dish. With its enticing aroma and rich flavors, it’s perfect for any occasion. Share your experience and variations in the comments below! How would you make this dish your own?
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Irresistible Sage Walnut Pesto
- Total Time: 17 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A luxurious twist on classic pesto, featuring earthy sage and rich walnuts for a flavor-packed sauce that elevates any pasta dish.
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves, packed
- 1 cup fresh sage leaves, packed
- 1 cup walnuts, toasted
- 2 cloves garlic, peeled
- 1/2 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil, room temperature
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Additional grated Parmigiano-Reggiano, for serving
- Fresh sage leaves, for garnish
Instructions
- Wash and dry the basil and sage leaves. Toast the walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently until golden and fragrant, about 5–7 minutes. Let them cool slightly.
- In a food processor, combine the toasted walnuts, garlic, fresh basil, and sage leaves. Pulse until finely chopped.
- Add the grated Parmigiano-Reggiano to the herb mixture and pulse until well combined.
- With the processor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the mixture is smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as needed.
- Adjust the flavor with salt and pepper. Serve the pesto tossed with al dente pasta, garnished with fresh sage leaves and additional grated cheese.
Notes
For best flavor, use high-quality ingredients. Store in an airtight container with olive oil on top to prevent oxidation. Consume within one week.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 24g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 15mg