Ingredients and Weight:
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 3 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic, crushed
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth or vegetable broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
Preparation Time:
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
Difficulty Level:
Level 3 (Moderate difficulty)
Preparation Method Steps:
- In a blender or food processor, combine the basil leaves, parmesan cheese, olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic. Blend until smooth and set aside.
- In a saucepan, heat the heavy cream and chicken broth until just warm.
- Add the flour to the warm cream mixture and stir until thickened.
- Reduce the heat to low and add the pesto mixture, stirring continuously until fully combined and heated through.
- Season with salt and pepper according to taste.
- Serve over your choice of protein or pasta.
Nutritional Information:
(Per serving, assuming 8 servings total)
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 26g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Protein: 8g
- Sodium: 250mg (not including salt added during seasoning)
Dish Characteristics:
- Rich and creamy, with a strong pesto flavor and a hint of lemon brightness.
- A perfect blend of flavors for an American-style dish that still retains a sophisticated and creative element.
User Comments:
- "The pesto flavor was really strong and I loved it! The sauce was creamy and delicious."
- "I made this for my family and they all loved it. It was a hit!"
- "I added some cooked shrimp to this sauce and it was amazing. A great dish for a special occasion."
Special Precautions and Tips:
- Be sure to use fresh basil leaves for the best flavor. If using dried basil, reduce the quantity by half.
- Adjust the seasoning according to your taste. Start with less salt and pepper and add more if needed.
- This sauce pairs well with both meat dishes and pasta dishes. Experiment with different proteins or pastas to find your favorite combination.
