Pesto the Basil Sauce

As spring turns into summer and basil becomes abundant this is the perfect time to make pesto. Get ready to start pounding away. It is worth to know that Pesto originated in Genoa, Italy, the word pesto comes from the Italian ‘pestare‘, which means to pound or to grind. Pesto is so versatile it can be added to pasta, pizza, used as a salad dressing, in particular with boiled new potatoes, and much more.

The Ingredients usually are:
(You can vary what goes in according to your taste. I use much more garlic than the two cloves)

2 cloves garlic
2 cups fresh basil leaves – I prefer the small others prefer the large
3 tablespoons pine nuts (toasted) I use walnuts
Sea salt and pepper
½ cup extra virgin olive oil
½ cup Parmigiano cheese either grated or roughly cut into small pieces

Most people probably do not know what was used to make pesto before the food processor to grind the above components.
Back when kitchen gadgets were not electric, we used a basic stone or brass bowl with a heavy stick to make food like pesto. It took time to make and was simpler and frequently tastier.
The major difference between a food processor and a mortar and pestle is that the food processor tends to pulverize the ingredients, whereas the latter, mortar & pestle, utilizes a human manual control and a blending process which allows for consistency and flavor control.
Making pesto, the old fashion way, clearly demonstrates the differences of techniques. You see, the crushing process allows the garlic, basil and other ingredients to give off their unique aromas.
Not too long ago the mortar and pestle were commonplace in Mediterranean kitchens as well as in North Africa, India, Far East, all with their intricate blend of condiments and spices which rely on this ancient grinding method to extract all-around flavors.

Making the Pesto

Start the same way you would with a food processor; place the garlic and salt in the mortar* and grind them to a paste next you start adding the basil leaves, a few at a time instead of all at once. Add the pine nuts or almonds or walnuts and crush, incorporating them into the garlic and basil.
If you are going to use, the Pesto, immediately, add the cheese and continue to pound and mix to a desired consistency

Blend in the oil in a slow stream until you reach the desired mixture you want. The mushier it looks the better it tastes.


* A mortar and pestle is a tool used to crush, grind, and mix solid substances. The mortar is a bowl, typically made of hard wood, marble, clay, or stone. The pestle is a heavy bat-shaped object, the end of which is used for crushing and grinding.