Purple Basil Pesto

Stunning purple basil pesto is a true crowd-pleaser! This small batch purple pesto recipe is not only vibrant and flavorful but also budget-friendly. By substituting pine nuts with walnuts or almonds, you create a unique twist that works perfectly for various occasions whether it s a casual dinner or a gourmet gathering.

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Why You ll Love This Purple Basil Pesto

This delicious sauce will elevate your dishes in so many ways.

• Easy to Make: With just a few simple ingredients and a food processor, you can whip up this pesto in under 10 minutes.
• Flavorful Twist: The use of purple basil adds a stunning color and slightly different flavor profile compared to traditional green basil.
• Versatile Ingredient: Use it on pasta, sandwiches, or as a dip for veggies; the possibilities are endless!
• Budget-Friendly: This recipe uses walnuts or almonds instead of pricier pine nuts, making it easier on your wallet.
• Vegan Option: Enjoy this recipe guilt-free as it s entirely plant-based!

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, make sure you have the right tools on hand to streamline your cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Food processor
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• Scraper

Importance of Each Tool

• Food processor: Essential for achieving the smooth texture of the pesto without much effort.
• Measuring cups: Ensure accurate ingredient quantities for consistent results.
• Scraper: Helps push down any ingredients stuck on the sides of the food processor for even blending.

Ingredients

To prepare this delightful purple basil pesto, gather the following ingredients:

Fresh Ingredients

• 1/2 cup purple basil leaves (tightly packed (12 grams); tough stems removed; feel free to sub with regular green basil though!)
• 1 clove garlic (minced)

Nuts and Oils

• 3/4 cup whole walnuts (raw or toasted (75 grams); sub with almonds)
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

Seasonings

• 2 Tablespoons nutritional yeast
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

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How to Make Purple Basil Pesto

Follow these simple steps to create your own homemade purple basil pesto.

Step 1: Process the Walnuts

Start by processing the walnuts in a food processor until they reach a fine, crumbly texture.

Step 2: Add Remaining Ingredients

Add the purple basil leaves, minced garlic, nutritional yeast, salt, and olive oil to the food processor. Process everything together until smooth for about 45-60 seconds. You may need to scrape down the sides a few times since purple basil can be stickier than green.

Step 3: Adjust Texture if Needed

If you prefer a smoother texture, add an additional tablespoon of olive oil. Pulse again until you achieve your desired consistency.

With these easy steps, your flavorful purple basil pesto is ready to be enjoyed!

How to Serve Purple Basil Pesto

Purple basil pesto is a versatile condiment that enhances a variety of dishes. Whether you re looking to elevate a simple meal or impress guests, here are some delightful ways to serve this vibrant sauce.

Pasta Dishes

• Toss with Spaghetti: Mix purple basil pesto into freshly cooked spaghetti for a quick and flavorful meal.
• Pasta Salad: Combine with your favorite pasta, cherry tomatoes, and mozzarella for a refreshing salad.

Sandwiches and Wraps

• Spread on Toast: Use as a spread on toasted bread topped with avocado or fresh veggies.
• Incorporate in Wraps: Add purple basil pesto to wraps filled with grilled chicken or roasted vegetables.

Dips and Appetizers

• Serve with Veggies: Use as a dip for fresh vegetable sticks like carrots, cucumbers, and bell peppers.
• Cheese Platter Pairing: Drizzle over cheeses on a charcuterie board for an added burst of flavor.

How to Perfect Purple Basil Pesto

Creating the perfect purple basil pesto requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to elevate your pesto-making skills.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh purple basil leaves for the best flavor and vibrant color.
• Adjust Texture: If your pesto is too thick, add more olive oil gradually until you reach your desired consistency.
• Toast Your Nuts: Lightly toast walnuts or almonds beforehand to enhance their flavor before blending.
• Experiment with Cheese: For non-vegan options, consider adding grated Parmesan cheese for a richer taste.
• Store Properly: Keep your purple basil pesto in an airtight container and cover the surface with olive oil to maintain freshness.

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Best Side Dishes for Purple Basil Pesto

Purple basil pesto pairs wonderfully with many side dishes. Here are some great options that complement its unique flavor profile.

1. Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread makes an excellent accompaniment, perfect for scooping up pesto.
2. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies drizzled with olive oil are enhanced by a dollop of purple basil pesto.
3. Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad mixed with fresh herbs can be elevated by adding purple basil pesto.
4. Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella and tomatoes topped with this vibrant pesto create an exciting twist on the classic dish.
5. Grilled Asparagus: Charred asparagus spears served warm with a drizzle of purple basil pesto offer a delightful pairing.
6. Potato Wedges: Crispy baked potato wedges can be dipped into basil pesto for a flavorful snack.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making purple basil pesto, it s easy to overlook a few key steps that can affect the final outcome. Here are common mistakes to steer clear of:

• Ignoring freshness: Always use fresh purple basil leaves for the best flavor. Wilted or old basil can lead to a lackluster pesto.
• Overprocessing nuts: If you process the walnuts too long, they can turn into nut butter. Stop when they reach a fine, crumbly texture.
• Skipping the salt: Salt enhances the flavors in your pesto. Don t forget this essential ingredient; just half a teaspoon will do!
• Not adjusting consistency: If your pesto is too thick, you might miss out on its full flavor profile. Add olive oil gradually until you reach your desired consistency.
• Using stale nuts: Nuts can go rancid over time. Always use fresh walnuts or almonds for the best taste in your purple basil pesto.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store purple basil pesto in an airtight container.
• It will last up to 1 week in the refrigerator.
• Consider adding a thin layer of olive oil on top to prevent oxidation.

Freezing Instructions

• Freeze in small portions using ice cube trays for easy use later.
• Once frozen, transfer cubes to a freezer-safe bag.
• Purple basil pesto can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Reheating Instructions

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), place pesto in an oven-safe dish, and warm for about 10 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat in short bursts of 15-20 seconds, stirring after each interval until warm.
• Stovetop: Place on low heat in a saucepan, stirring frequently until heated through.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What makes purple basil pesto different from traditional pesto?

Purple basil pesto has a unique color and flavor due to the distinct variety of basil used. It adds visual appeal and a slightly different taste compared to green basil pesto.

Can I substitute ingredients in purple basil pesto?

Yes! You can replace walnuts with almonds or even sunflower seeds if you have allergies. Nutritional yeast can also be adjusted based on your preference for cheesiness.

How do I use purple basil pesto?

Purple basil pesto is versatile! Use it as a pasta sauce, spread on sandwiches, or as a dip for vegetables. Its vibrant color makes any dish look gourmet.

Is purple basil pesto suitable for vegans?

Absolutely! This recipe is vegan-friendly and packed with flavor without any animal products.

Final Thoughts

This small batch purple basil pesto recipe is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. It s perfect for enhancing pasta dishes or serving as a dip. Feel free to customize it by adding more garlic or trying different nuts! Enjoy experimenting with this vibrant and flavorful sauce at home!