when i shared my pesto recipe, a reader asked:
Does anyone have tips on how to make pesto without a food processor? I’ve done it a few times without one, but it’s not a pretty process…
i put the question out on twitter, and another reader of this blog, jo, had the answer!
Pesto without processor: mortar and pestle. The original method, and tastes brilliant. Takes a while to get the knack: persist!
so i tried this out the other day by making a small batch by hand. i removed most of the tough stems from the basil.
i put all the ingredients (basil, olive oil, sunflower seeds this time instead of pine nuts; i added the cheese afterwards) into the mortar and pestle and got to work.
it worked! not sure what i was expecting really, of course it worked. the seeds were the hardest to break down and next time, i think i will put those into the mortar first and grind them with the pestle. then i’ll add the leaves and other ingredients.
the result was a bit coarser than with my food processor, but it tasted just as good if not better. all that physical labour has got to make it taste better right? maybe.
thanks jo and prairie lemon!
yum! will have to try the sunflower seeds. i’m with you – doing it by hand does make it taste better :) or at least is very satisfying
thanks abby, the sunflower seeds aren’t as bitter as the pine nuts. i liked it.
My basil pot (sounds like something new on the market ;o lol) is at it’s biggest now – I will get some fresh pesto going on very soon for lunch ;)
xo
yes, my little spot in the garden is overflowing with it too! i think i’m going to try bringing some indoors this year.
Shoot, if I had noticed the question I would have provided an answer. Totally my loss. As my MIL would say, “I prefer mine with a little more texture *nose quite far in the air*.”
you snoozed! … and you always have the answers corey *nose in the air* ;)
Mmmmmmmm! Looks delicious.
:)
you’ve inspired me yet again…I can just imagine the wonderful smells as you were pestling away!
YUM!
oxo
or should I have said “mortaring” away … hmmm
portaling.
Must get myself a mortar and pestle. I’ve always wanted one, but the stars have not yet aligned.
Thanks Ana! And thanks to jo for the answer, and to corey, who had the answer, too!
I will seek out a larger mortar and pestle, as the one I have now is very very small…
I love that help is just a click away!