Looking to add a flavorful twist to your pasta night? This Green Chile Pesto recipe will take your taste buds on a journey with its zesty and spicy notes. Perfect for those who love a little heat in their meals, this pesto packs a punch while still maintaining that classic pesto freshness we all know and love. Serve it over your favorite pasta, spread it on a sandwich, or use it as a dip – the possibilities are endless with this versatile condiment.
**Green Chile Pesto**
**Ingredients:**
– 2 cups fresh basil leaves
– 1 cup roasted green chiles, chopped
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/3 cup pine nuts, toasted
– 3 cloves garlic
– 1/2 cup olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Ingredients:** Start by washing the basil leaves and patting them dry with a paper towel. If you haven’t roasted the green chiles yet, you can easily do so by placing them under the broiler until the skins are charred, then letting them cool before peeling and chopping them.
2. **Toast the Pine Nuts:** In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the pine nuts until they are fragrant and lightly golden brown. Be sure to stir them frequently to prevent burning. Once done, set them aside to cool.
3. **Blend the Pesto:** In a food processor, combine the basil leaves, roasted green chiles, Parmesan cheese, toasted pine nuts, and garlic cloves. Pulse a few times to start breaking down the ingredients.
4. **Drizzle in the Olive Oil:** While the food processor is running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the pesto reaches your desired consistency. You may need to stop and scrape down the sides of the bowl occasionally to ensure everything gets well blended.
5. **Season to Taste:** Add salt and pepper to the pesto mixture, adjusting the seasoning as needed. Keep in mind that Parmesan cheese can be quite salty, so taste as you go to avoid over seasoning.
6. **Serve and Enjoy:** Your Green Chile Pesto is now ready to use! Spoon it over cooked pasta, mix it into a salad dressing, or spread it on your favorite sandwich for an extra kick of flavor. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.
Embrace the bold flavors of Green Chile Pesto in your meals and elevate your cooking game with this unique twist on a classic condiment. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply looking to jazz up your weeknight dinner, this recipe is sure to impress. Get creative and experiment with different ways to incorporate this vibrant pesto into your dishes for a tasty and memorable dining experience!
