Tuesday, June 22, 2010

Make Roasted Red Pepper Pesto

Roasted Red Pepper Pesto


This bright, fresh tasting pesto sauce gets its color and tang from roasted red peppers, but you don't have to roast them yourself. Use the jarred variety that you can find in the condiment aisle next to the olives and vinegar. Theoretically, you could use a mortar and pestle for this, but the best results are obtained with a food processor. If you like to make pesto you will easily recoup your investment in this kitchen gadget, since gourmet pesto sauce costs between $3 and $5 per jar, and a no-frills food processor is between $20 and $30.


Instructions


Make Roasted Red Pepper Pesto








1. Wash and tear basil leaves into pieces.


2. In food processor, process peppers, parmesan cheese, nuts and basil, then add rest of ingredients and process again.


3. Taste, add salt and pepper, and adjust seasonings as desired (add a little more garlic or vinegar if it seems bland).


4. Turn into serving bowl and cover tightly with plastic wrap to let flavors mingle for at least an hour or up to overnight.








5. When ready to serve, remove plastic wrap and bring to room temperature. Serve with flatbread, crusty rolls or crackers, or heat slightly and serve over cooked pasta.

Tags: food processor, Pepper Pesto, Roasted Pepper, Roasted Pepper Pesto, Make Roasted, Make Roasted Pepper, pesto sauce