How to Make PESTO from Scratch and Cook Traditional PASTA

pine nuts

🥗Healthier: walnuts

💰Cheaper: sunflower seeds

Walnuts are more affordable while providing a similar texture.

parmesan cheese

🥗Healthier: nutritional yeast

💰Cheaper: grana padano

Grana padano offers a similar flavor at a lower cost.

Place garlic cloves in a marble mortar and add half a tablespoon of salt.

Crush garlic with the pestle until it forms a smooth paste.

Add a few basil leaves at a time and crush them until incorporated.

Add pine nuts and grind them into the basil and garlic paste until creamy.

Pour in extra virgin olive oil and mix until combined.

Grate in pecorino cheese and mix together.

Grate in grana padano cheese and mix until well combined.

Pour water into a saucepan and add trophy pasta, peeled chopped potatoes, and green beans.

Cook for 9 minutes until pasta is al dente.

Drain the water and place the pasta in a pan.

Add a good helping of pesto to the pasta and a little pasta water to keep it moist.

Toss the pasta until completely coated with pesto.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens