This summer we have an abundance of basil from both our hay bale gardens and have been making pesto like crazy. Not only is pesto delicious on pasta but it's just as delicious on fish, vegetables, chicken or just about anything! Last year our friend Jane grew tomatoes and basil in hay bales...we grew ours in traditional dirt. The difference was amazing...the hay bale crop far exceeded the traditional dirt crop and made us and Gary believers. Gary bought the bales at the local hardware store then quickly got to preparing them with fertilizer and water. After two weeks of daily watering, we planted our basil and tomatoes along with some other herbs and couldn't be happier with the results. If you never tried this method before, it's definitely worth the minimal effort.😋😋
Ingredients
Pesto Sauce Ingredients
- 3 Tablespoons Pignoli Nuts (Italian pine nuts)
- 1 tsp Kosher salt
- 3 cloves garlic, peeled
- 2 cups fresh sweet Italian basil leaves, packed tightly (approximately 2 very large bunches)
- 8 Tablespoons EVOO, preferably Ligurian as it makes a big difference in taste
- 1/2 cup Parmigiano-Reggiano, freshly grated
Directions
Pesto Sauce Directions
- In a food processor add pignoli nuts, salt, and garlic cloves. Pulse into a smooth paste.
- Add the basil in small amounts then pulse after each addition, until all the basil has been added and the mixture is creamy & smooth. Slowly (slow is key here) add the EVOO until emulsified.
- Add cheese and pulse to incorporate.
- If too dry add additional EVOO slowly, 1 Tablespoon at a time.
Notes: Pesto fish was served with our Jasmine Rice Pilaf side dish.
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