Imagine a sauce so vibrant and luxurious that it can turn an ordinary meal into a culinary masterpiece in just minutes. Summer's Magic Sauce Basil Pesto Cream is not just a recipe—it's a flavor revolution that will transport your taste buds straight to the sun-drenched hills of Italy. With its perfect blend of fresh basil, toasted pine nuts, and velvety cream, this sauce is about to become your secret weapon in the kitchen, promising to elevate everything from pasta to grilled vegetables with its irresistible charm.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 5 mins
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/3 cup pine nuts
- 2 garlic cloves
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing all your ingredients. Rinse the fresh basil leaves under cold water to remove any dirt or impurities. Pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels.
- In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the pine nuts for about 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently. This will enhance their flavor. Be careful not to let them burn; they should be golden and fragrant. Once toasted, remove them from the skillet and let them cool.
- In a food processor, combine the toasted pine nuts, fresh basil leaves, grated Parmesan cheese, and garlic cloves. Pulse the mixture until it is finely chopped and well combined.
- With the food processor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil. Continue processing until the mixture is smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as needed. You may need to adjust the amount of olive oil to achieve your desired consistency.
- Once the pesto mixture is smooth, transfer it to a mixing bowl. Gently fold in the heavy cream until fully incorporated. This will give the pesto a creamy texture and a rich flavor.
- Season the pesto cream with salt and pepper to taste. Start with a small amount and adjust according to your preference. Mix well to ensure the seasoning is evenly distributed.
- Your Summer's Magic Sauce Basil Pesto Cream is now ready to be used! You can serve it immediately over pasta, as a dip, or as a sauce for grilled meats and vegetables. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Tips
- Use the freshest basil possible - farmers market or home-grown basil will give the most intense flavor.
- Toast pine nuts slowly and carefully to prevent burning; they can go from perfectly golden to burnt in seconds.
- For a smoother consistency, ensure all ingredients are at room temperature before blending.
- If the pesto seems too thick, add a little more olive oil or cream to achieve your desired texture.
- For a lighter version, you can substitute half the heavy cream with Greek yogurt.
- Always taste and adjust seasoning gradually - you can always add more salt and pepper, but you can't take it away.
- This sauce is best used fresh, but can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 4g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 38g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 45mg
