Teresa's Recipes
Spicy Cilantro Pesto
This vibrant Spicy Cilantro Pesto infuses traditional pesto with the zesty brightness of fresh cilantro and a fiery kick from jalapeños. Perfect for drizzling over grilled meats, tossing with pasta, or serving as a bold dip, this pesto not only elevates your dishes but also introduces a delightful twist to your culinary repertoire. Originating from the classic Italian pesto, this variation pays homage to the rich flavors of Latin cuisine, making it a versatile addition to your kitchen.
Ingredients
- 2 cups, packed Fresh cilantro
- 1, seeds removed for less heat (adjust to taste) Jalapeno pepper
- 3 cloves Garlic
- 1/4 cup, toasted Pine nuts
- 1/2 cup, grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons, freshly squeezed Lime juice
- 1/2 cup, plus more if needed Olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon, or to taste Salt
- 1/4 teaspoon, or to taste Black pepper
Dietary Notes
- Servings: 8
- Dish Type: Condiment
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Calories: 120
- Fat: 10g
- Carbs: 3g
- Protein: 3g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Sugar: 0g
Instructions
- In a food processor, combine the cilantro, jalapeño, garlic, lime juice, toasted pine nuts, and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Pulse the mixture until well combined but still slightly chunky, allowing the texture to provide a delightful bite.
- With the food processor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the pesto reaches your desired creamy consistency. If you prefer a thinner pesto, add more olive oil gradually.
- Season the pesto with salt and black pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning as necessary to enhance the overall flavor.
- Transfer the pesto to a jar or airtight container. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Serve your Spicy Cilantro Pesto as a dip for fresh vegetables, a spread for sandwiches or wraps, or a sauce for grilled chicken, fish, or pasta.
Tips
- For a nuttier flavor, consider substituting pine nuts with walnuts or almonds.
- If you want to adjust the spice level, add more jalapeños or even a dash of your favorite hot sauce.
- This pesto can be frozen in ice cube trays for easy portioning later.