Vibrant in color and flavor, pesto is the ultimate meal enhancer.
But what is pesto, exactly?
Given its popularity, pesto is also sold atmost grocery stores.
Photo:Adél Békefi/Getty Images
Whether you make orbuy pesto, it can liven up many a dish.
Its also versatile and packed with nutrients.
Spread it on sandwiches, use it as a marinade for meat, or toss your vegetables in it.
Caitlin Bensel
Aside from it being delicious and nutritious, heres what else you gotta know about pesto.
What Is Pesto?
Variations of pesto date back to 16th century Italy.
Jennifer Causey
However, pesto has gone through several iterations over the centuries.
The variation most similar to todays pesto likely originated in the 19th century.
Specifically, the city of Genoa, Italy, is credited with creating pesto.
Greg DuPree
What Is Pesto Made Of?
Like any sauce or condiment, there aremany ways to make pesto.
From substituting ingredients to using various amounts of its core components, no two pestos taste the same.
Its also rich in micronutrients, especially antioxidants, from the handfuls of basil leaves and crushed garlic.
And, of course, it has strong notes of garlic.
How to Use Pesto
Like marinara sauce, there are hundredsif not thousandsof ways to use pesto.
Its most popular applications include pasta and pizza.
Its also the perfect base fordips,salad dressings, and marinades.
Simply dump all of the ingredients into afood processorand pulse until its a paste-like consistency.
This variation of pesto is also perfect for people with food allergies because its nut-free.
Its got thick slices of bread topped with pesto for flavor, and squash andchickpeasfor nutrients.
It also teaches you how to make homemade pesto, albeit analmond-basedone.
Youll pulverizebroccoliinto the freshly made pesto, which is excellent for sneaking veggies into your kids dinners.
Toss the pasta in the sauce, and voila!
Youve got an impressive-looking (and tasting) meal that came together in 30 minutes.
