Culture Food & Travel Interviews & Recipes

Original recipe of the week: Perfecto Pesto

Original recipe of the week: Perfecto Pesto

Originating from Liguria, Italy, Pesto is certainly very popular in Britain these days. With variations ranging from tomato to white truffle, you are sure to find one which tickles your fancy. Use on pasta or even in an on-trend sandwich, this tasty treat is salty, moorish and is sure to liven up any dish.

Easy and quick, pesto can be as much healthy as it is unhealthy, laden with salt and oil or reduce for a lower fat version, choose your quantities wisely. Traditionally made with basil and pine-nuts: crush and combine to make this savoury taste sensation.

If you like things with a bit of twist then you are sure to like my version of this Italian classic. Almonds, sundried tomatos and mature cheddar cheese, an Italian mix with all the tasty trimmings.

Almond, Basil and Sundried Tomato Pesto

Makes 5-8 servings

What you will need:

2 handfuls of fresh basil leaves

50g sundried tomatoes

50g mature cheddar cheese

50g blanched almonds

2 cups of olive oil

½ lemon juice

Salt and pepper to taste

What you need to do:

1. Place the basil leaves, oil and almonds in a blender and blitz together.

2. Add the sundried tomatoes to the mix and blend again; pulse to incorporate so that the tomatoes don’t disintegrate.

3. Add salt and pepper to taste and the splash of lemon juice

4. Turn out to serve or keep in a bowl in the fridge.

Enjoy simply with warm crusty bread or on pasta for a perfect summer night supper.

Bethany Stone

More in Food & Drinks

Mezcalito Chelsea brings Mexican cuisine, agave spirits, and vibrant culture to the heart of London

Food & Travel Desk

Jancis Robinson to lead fine wine masterclass at Berry Bros & Rudd in support of The Drinks Trust

Food & Travel Desk

Cocotte offers free children’s meals across London locations for October half-term

Food & Travel Desk

Mildreds brings plant-based pop-up to Canary Wharf with takeover at Mallow

Food & Travel Desk

Kricket Shoreditch launches breakfast thali for Diwali with free meals for early birds

Food & Travel Desk

Engel launches Marlene Brunch series with live jazz, soul and burlesque at the Royal Exchange

Food & Travel Desk

Sorbito opens in Stoke Newington as London’s first dedicated mezcal tasting room and bottle shop

Food & Travel Desk

Wahaca marks Day of the Dead with supper club, tequila tastings and new seasonal menu

Food & Travel Desk

Robin Gill serves up European café and aperitivo culture with Bar Brasso in Nine Elms

Food & Travel Desk