Light basil and ricotta pesto
This Light Basil and Ricotta Pesto combines toasted pine nuts, fresh basil, creamy ricotta, and zesty lemon juice for a lighter alternative to traditional pesto. It's perfect for pasta, sandwiches, or as a dip, all made in just a few simple steps.
Cook time 0 min
Prep time 10 min
Ingredients:
1 tbsp pine nuts2 garlic cloves
2 tbsp lemon juice
1/2 cup ricotta cheese
Prepare to delight your taste buds with our Light Basil and Ricotta Pesto! This easy-to-make, creamy pesto is perfect for adding a fresh burst of flavor to your pasta, sandwiches, or salads. With the nuttiness of pine nuts, the zesty kick of lemon juice, and the creamy texture of ricotta cheese, this pesto is a lighter alternative to traditional basil pestos while still delivering on taste.
Instructions:
- In a small skillet over medium heat, toast the pine nuts, stirring frequently until they are golden brown and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes. Be careful, as they can burn quickly. Remove from heat and let cool.
- Peel the garlic cloves and give them a rough chop. This helps them blend more easily in the food processor.
- In a food processor, add the toasted pine nuts, chopped garlic, and fresh basil leaves. Pulse a few times until the ingredients are coarsely chopped.
- Add the ricotta cheese and lemon juice to the food processor. Blend until everything is well combined and smooth.
- Add the grated Parmesan cheese and pulse a few times. With the food processor running, slowly drizzle in the extra-virgin olive oil until the pesto reaches your desired consistency. You may need to stop and scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is well mixed.
- Taste the pesto and add salt and pepper as needed. Blend again to incorporate the seasoning.
- Your Light Basil and Ricotta Pesto is now ready to use! Serve it tossed with pasta, spread on toasted bread, or as a dip for fresh vegetables. If not using immediately, transfer the pesto to an airtight container and refrigerate. It will keep for about 3-5 days.
Enjoy your light and delicious Basil and Ricotta Pesto! This versatile condiment can be used in a variety of dishes, making it a must-have in your kitchen repertoire. Whether you're tossing it with pasta, spreading it on a sandwich, or using it as a dip, this fresh and creamy pesto is sure to become a favorite.
Light basil and ricotta pesto FAQ:
The preparation time for Light Basil and Ricotta Pesto is approximately 10-15 minutes. This includes toasting the pine nuts and blending all the ingredients together.
Yes, you can substitute pine nuts with walnuts, almonds, or sunflower seeds. Keep in mind that the flavor and texture might vary slightly.
Store leftover Light Basil and Ricotta Pesto in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for about 3-5 days.
The pesto is done blending when it is smooth and creamy without any large chunks. Scrape down the sides of the food processor as needed to ensure even blending.
Yes, you can freeze Light Basil and Ricotta Pesto. Store it in an airtight container or freezer bag, leaving some space for expansion. It will last up to 2-3 months in the freezer.
Tips:
- Toast the Pine Nuts: To enhance the flavor of your pesto, lightly toast the pine nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat until they are golden brown and fragrant. Let them cool slightly before using.
- Fresh Garlic: Use fresh garlic cloves for a more robust flavor. If you prefer a milder garlic taste, you can lightly roast the garlic cloves before adding them to the pesto.
- Ricotta Substitute: If you don’t have ricotta cheese on hand, you can use cottage cheese or a combination of Greek yogurt and cream cheese as a substitute.
- Lemon Zest: For an extra citrusy kick, add a little bit of lemon zest along with the lemon juice. This will brighten up the flavors even more.
- Consistent Blending: Blend all ingredients thoroughly for a smooth pesto. Stop periodically to scrape down the sides of the blender or food processor to ensure even mixing.
Nutrition per serving
6 ServingsCalories 45kcal
Protein 2.60g
Carbohydrates 1.71g
Fiber 0.12g
Sugar 0.20g
Fat 3.23g
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