Danilo Cortellini, Head Chef at The Italian Embassy in London shares his recipe. What a fabulous recipe basil pesto is?
A great condiment made from humble ingredients in just a couple of minutes, good to dress salads, meats and fishes but perfect with pasta. The Ligurian tradition wants for all raw ingredients to be pounded and crushed together with pestle and mortar until creamy - make your life easier and use a food processor.
Cooking Time: 30 mins
Serves: 4
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Ingredients
50 gr basil leaves, washed and dried
10 gr green wild garlic leaves
40 gr grated Grana Padano
90 gr extra virgin olive oil “Imperiale D’Abruzzo”
12 gr toasted pine nuts
Salt and pepper (to taste)
Method
Put all the ingredients in the jar of your blender or food processor and place the jar in the fridge for 30 minutes.
The cold temperature will help retain the natural green colour of the basil.
Blend all together for about 30 seconds until creamy.
Use it fresh or store your pesto in a glass jar for no longer than 2 weeks in the fridge.
About Danilo Cortellini
Having spent almost twenty years in the hospitality business, Danilo has worked in some of the finest restaurants across Italy and London currently holds the position of Head Chef at the Italian Embassy in London.
Also founder of Danilo Cortellini Ltd, a food, drink and restaurant consultancy company and TIRAMISOO EVENTS, my London based catering and events company.
Website: www.danilocortellini.com
Twitter: @Danilo_chefUK
Instagram: @danilocortellini
