Basil Pesto | Garden to Table Recipe

Hey there darling! Welcome to my kitchen. Here I share recipes from a real family that loves to grow and eat real food. Don't say you can't cook! You just haven't learned yet. I'm so happy to have a chance to encourage you in the journey to eating nourishing, whole foods!
(Some of the links used in this description may be affiliate links. This means I receive a small commission for sharing at no additional cost to you. Thank you so much for doing small things like using my affiliate links. It helps a lot in supporting me to make more content!)
Order freshly roasted, ethically sourced Coffee and organic Loose Leaf tea from our family's small business: www.beulahroastingco.com
Thrive Market: thrv.me/yNhfA3
Drop Us a Line:
Jess Sowards
PO Box 4239
Leesville SC 29070
To send something to our house directly from our Amazon wishlist:
www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls...

[@tammykaltreider]

Funny story about garlic… my husband said to me, “honey, I know you love garlic but you might want to back off just a bit because I think your sweat is starting to smell like garlic 🧄 🤦‍♀️. “ …he said this to me as we were cleaning out the chicken coop. I know, really romantic, right?! Well I haven’t backed off the garlic…😂🫶😂 We been together 47 years so I don’t think he’s going anywhere 🤍

[@user-lb3yf4dv8o]

Garlic wards off the vampires, right!? 😅 lol

[@piperhomestead5698]

I heard it helps keep the mosquitoes away, does it?

[@tammykaltreider]

@@piperhomestead5698 sadly, not really!

[@carolhamilton5164]

Also raw garlic is a natural antibiotic. Enjoy your garlic and stay well.

[@terriberrie4917]

My mother n law has banned garlic in her house. My husband still loves garlic but if they came home after eating it even in a dish she could tell! She secretly a vampire 😂

[@asiajo1010]

“Man, Nailed It”… the goal line for anyone in the kitchen lol

[@calicocowacres]

This year we froze our garlic scapes instead of making them into pesto right away, so I can use them in pesto once our basil is ready! I'm so excited for basil scape pesto😍 instead of having them separately

[@user-qw7nf8nq7g]

Good post- thank you! I've had pesto with sunflower seeds, and it was quite tasty (and cheap). Also, the restaurant supply stores also sell little 4 oz containers with lids, and I freeze my pesto in those for 2 people servings. If I'm freezing it for long term storage, I put a little evoo on top of the pesto, which keeps the top from drying out.

[@thedirtprincess3293]

Great tips thank you!

[@lisag4527]

Cilantro jalapeño pesto is delicious too. I've made pesto with kale, basil, parsley, cilantro, and even spinach. It's all amazing. I also don't use oil in mine I use water. No its not how it's supposed to be made but olive oil is expensive, our grocery budget is small, and we love pesto so I make it a lot. It's still delicious even then🙂

[@dawna-bethmcdonald6260]

I like to use walnuts too. I harvested a bunch of garlic scapes and mixed them with basil and some spinach from my garden too. Oh boy my husband and i couldn't get enough of it.

[@brendawheeler5456]

My grandmother is from Genoa, Italy. When we make pesto, we dont add nuts. Nuts were reserved for special occasions. Also oilwas added to help emulsify the basil and garlic, no lemon juice. Cheese added last because the mixture is warm and you dont want to melt it. We make a soup of about 1gal of water. Add about 1/2 cup pesto, 2 Tblsp butter. Cut a large carrot up in small pieces, add to broth along with cannolini beans fresh we then add zucchini, yellow squash, green beans. swiss chard or spinach if none available add romaine lettuce, fresh tomato crushed about 3 or 4. If you have fresh peas they can be added. We use tubittini or ditalini pasta in it. Serve with more parmesan cheese and hot italian bread. We also lant lemon basil and make a pesto out of that and put it on fish. Delicious.

[@carolwisniewski6740]

I also omit nuts from mine, as well as cheese. Occasionally, based on its use, I prefer it without cheese, so I add it later. My mom hails from the 'toe' of Italy-Calabria.

[@francestaylor9156]

One of my favorite drives was driving through Gilroy on the way between NorCal & SoCal. It's miles of garlic farms and it smells so glorious. I always put the windows down whenever we drove through there. So good.

[@robyndudley9684]

I live in San Jose and I can smell garlic and onion harvests in Gilroy if I’m at home. It’s faint but delightful.

[@beckykulinski5071]

Uncle during the Gilroy garlic festival when I was about 12....it scent in the air was intoxicating!

[@KCallaAK]

Oh Good! I made pesto with walnuts and my heart and made appetizers for my family on sourdough toast, pesto, cherry tomatoes, and mozarella. I'm up there with Jessica!! YAAY!

[@Paige0311]

I love pesto but my favorite is chicken breast with pesto a slice of tomato and a big slice of mozzarella cheese and bake. Yummy!

[@rooteddinfaithjourney]

Oh thats sounds good

[@WelcometomyCapeCodlife]

I love pestos sauce! I freeze it as well. I sometimes freeze in ice cube trays then pop the frozen cubes into a bag. Great little winter flavor bombs! ❤🌱

[@tamara4557]

pesto grilled chicken, a pesto tomato and mozzarella (hot) sandwich and pesto bacon pasta with broccoli are some of our favourite ways of using it. or on pizza. Put it on after you baked the pizza for a fresh basil kick.

[@LisaGallardo-t6o]

"We measure with our heart" I'm going to start using this!

[@joan-lisa-smith]

6:46, aw kitty face of curiousness in the corner :)

[@daisyblooms4813]

HOW DID I MISS KITTY FACE???

[@nicolesobol936]

Toast with cream cheese and pesto😋 That’s our favorite way to eat it at our house! Pesto for breakfast!

[@kimcritchfield5796]

I love pesto on quiche! And I’ve made it with pepitas! (Roasted pumpkin seeds)

[@bostonterriermom]

An old Italian lady once told me if you plan to freeze it don’t add the cheese and half the olive oil. Add it in after you defrost it… it completely helps the texture. I also put any extra in the fridge in a jar top it off with olive oil and as long as it’s covered in salt it’ll stay good in the fridge for a long time

[@piperhomestead5698]

I make my pesto with sunflower seeds. I toast them a bit before adding them to the food processor. I also use roasted garlic. I freeze mine in a designated ice cube tray(pesto only), then pop them out and put them in a freezer bag. Absolutely love turkey pesto with provolone sammy.

[@jeannamcgregor9967]

We don't like walnuts so I always make my pesto with toasted almonds. In Italy they might use whatever greens or nuts are available, leading to some very different tastes, but since the garlic and parmesan are required it's always delicious! 💚

[@Romans828girl]

Has anybody tried pecans in their pesto? We planted 25 pecan trees this spring, protected them from the cicadas, and are moving heaven and earth to keep them watered. Someday, Lord willing, there are going to be sooo many pecans!

[@jessgirl19832000]

Yep, that will work!

[@projmgtpro]

For my go-to pesto, I use toasted pecans and it's fabulous. But really, any pesto is good and all of the other nuts and seeds work too. I do like to toast them all first.

[@nancyedgar8639]

I use them in mine too.

[@susankirby4607]

Oh man I'm going to have to try pecans!! I can't use pine nuts or walnuts because my daughter is allergic to them - but not pecans!!! Next harvest!!

[@elizabethlink3993]

Yes, pecans work great!

[@PrairieDawnC]

If you grow microgreens, pea or sunflower shoot pesto is amazing. ... I'm thrilled to know The Sowards' kitchen is like mine, with critters begging at the counter and me dropping things on the floor.

[@francestaylor9156]

I'm going to try and make pesto using a mortar and pestle because I don't like food processors (I gave mine to my sister) and because I'm a crazy person lol. Thanks for the tip on the walnuts! I have a bunch of basil I need to do something with. It's like you know what we all need to do with our harvest. =) Also, YAY for cherry tomatoes being ripe now. The little ones love eating the sungolds. I get so much joy seeing them love what I grow in the garden.

[@roygbivire]

We have a silicone ice tray with lid, and we put our pesto in there. Both my husband and I work full time so it's the perfect size for a single serving anytime meal. -Fluffy Bloomers

[@sheraeduncan2980]

Love pesto. I made some with carrot tops, nasturtium and lemon verbena. Plus parm, roasted walnuts ....

[@PrairieDawnC]

Does picking carrot tops impact the growth of the root veggies?

[@RobinsNestEggs]

Blessed morning. 🙏🏽💐

[@bethgaither1214]

I use my basil for two things: your basil tea and pesto. Trader Joes has good prices on their nuts, including pine nuts. It's good to know Costco has good prices on parmesan cheese. Thanks Jess!

[@julie-annepineau4022]

I love pesto. I will make it with scapes in the early season and clove garlic later season. I mix in kale or spinach or any other green I have on the go if my basil isn't quite enough (up to half and half) I tend to use Almonds as the nuts. I use it as the spread on garlic bread, or inside a grilled cheese sandwich, mixed into scrambled eggs. Pesto is one of my most favorite garden foods.

[@karenokeane6461]

Never had pesto until about a year ago---impulse purchase from Aldi one time, lol----and I absolutely INHALED it!! Of course it was in a small jar and rather pricey; not something I've splurged on very often. Honestly never considered how easy it would be to make, so appreciate this video a lot, Jess.

[@The_Farmers_Table]

Yeah I love it but the storebought jars are so small and expensive! Definitely more economical to make yourself!

[@mirandam8021]

Just made my first batch of the year! Pesto is the best made fresh from the garden and freezes like a dream! Thanks for sharing

[@melissasmith4880]

I use pumpkin seeds as my "nut" in pesto. I also have a dairy allergy so no parmesan. I use nutritional yeast instead. Still tastes delicious since basil is really the main flavor.

[@carolwisniewski6740]

Today I put about a half of a cup of garlic scape pesto in a microwave dish with 2 quartered and sliced zucchini. Cooked them for a couple minutes. I had a nice Italian roll and a fresh tomato to go with it. Pretty damned good.

[@k.j.krimson2590]

I made a bunch of GARLIC SCAPE pesto yesterday. SO Delicious!! 💚

[@CherieNorquay]

I've planted a lot of basil for freezing pesto. I have a second patch of basil started to put in the ground in a few weeks to keep the basil coming. It's my FAVE! I also use walnuts.

[@angelaschettino1327]

Thx for sharing. I make mine like you and have even added almonds instead of pine nuts. I also make another version with half parsley and 1/2 basil. It is delicious 😋. I spread my pesto on grilled chicken and top it off with tomatoes. So good.

[@Adamllover]

I made a bunch of garlic scape and basil pesto last night. I used a mix of toasted pine nuts, almonds, walnuts, pistachios, and cashews because I had them. Can't wait to try it!

[@tammykaltreider]

Good morning! Yummy 😋 I made some amazing pesto with my garlic scapes this spring.

[@marygrott8095]

I like pesto on grilled chicken breast. Like you, I use walnuts instead of pine nuts. I also like to use pesto as a sandwich spread.

[@galethomas9383]

I love making stuff pork chops with pesto. Thank you for the recipe!

[@joan-lisa-smith]

You can make it with no nuts too. I make it with garlic scapes, basil and ground parm. I just can't seem to get nuts that don't taste stale to me so I do nut free. Also my friend says using sunflower seeds works in place of nuts too. I put a teaspoon of my pesto in my omelet each morn.

[@sophiacarney9068]

I LOVE your top!! So cute!

[@daisyblooms4813]

Right? I was going to try and google photo search it...

[@chrissyegg]

I just made my 1st ever batch of homegrown basil pesto yesterday 🤗 Super good. You ain't lyin about the cost of pinenuts tho, will have to try with walnuts

[@hunterpaul77]

I get a butternut squash ravioli from Trader Joe’s and homemade pesto is amazing on it!!!

[@CarolynOfria-hn3ty]

Beautiful pesto!!! Never thought about using walnuts. Sounds delicious. I make pesto with dairy free Parm now. I was so sad when I found that my dairy allergy had gotten to the point that I had to eliminate all dairy. Blessings

[@SageandStoneHomestead]

We use almonds in our pesto, sometimes even almond flour if I'm out of whole almonds. I need to make pesto soon! Thanks for the reminder!

[@Junkinsally]

I’ve been using roasted garlic in my pesto recently. I love the smell of the house when garlic is roasting! It adds a more earthy flavor to dish that I think compliments the brightness of the basil and lemon juice. My favorite way of serving is just to top grilled chicken with it and skip the pasta in favor of a nice rustic sourdough bread and garden salad. Perfect summer dinner. I’ve used the traditional pine nuts but walnuts and even cashews are good.

[@itsahappyhomesteadlife]

The last two years I made carrot top pesto. The downside is my husband says it tastes like grass. So this year I planted at least 10 basil plants. Theyre ready to pick. So tomorrow I'm goingto get Parmesean and nuts. I know we'll love it!

[@kellymoody8326]

I LOVE that you are posting so many videos on this channel! It is so helpful to see new ideas for using garden blessings! … any chance you could post about cabbage other than kraut and stuffed cabbage? 😁

[@20bndk05]

Man I wish I had that much basil I love basil so much

[@christineclark]

I love pesto on a grilled chicken sandwich with sliced tomatoes and mozzarella on toasted ciabatta bread! 😊

[@samanthahoos9827]

❤I use almonds for nuts and realized this year I didn’t grow enough genovese basil. Sowing more seeds today because it really makes pesto delicious

[@jodihiddenhillfarmvt1605]

I make my pesto with unsalted sunflower seeds because my son has a nut allergy but also loves pesto! Super cost effective!

[@CocoKmimi]

My granddaughter has all nut allergy. Pesto is great without nuts too

[@Notable2Nikki]

Homemade focaccia with pesto on top is AMAZING! I enjoy a pesto tomato and mozzarella grilled cheese/panani too. Also, I love to swirl pesto in tomato soup.

[@bintlooda]

I love blending cilantro mint and basil with yogurt sauce and any seasoning .. it’s so delicious as a dipping sauce or spread

[@andrewlittlefield3425]

It would be great to see Beulah cookware in future 😊

[@officiallaskardoa]

interesting presentation🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩good job

[@paula5935]

Grateful for your basil pesto recipe. I made my first pesto last year. First I made basil and then I made nasturtium pesto. That was delicious too. Thank-you for promoting freezing to preserve food. It's my favorite way of preserving and has reduced the amount of wasted food in my home

[@OceanWillowEstates]

My favorite way to use pesto: Farfalle pasta Blistered cherry tomatoes from the garden Sautéed summer squash from the garden All tossed in homemade pesto Topped with some red chili flakes. Yummm (we have this at least once a week through the summer)

[@monicakroft8720]

I like to freeze in ice cube trays, place frozen cubes in freezer bags, and pull out a few whenever I need them. I also use walnuts, which are so healthy. I use lime juice instead of lemons sometimes, and they complement lime basil.

[@beckysteinmiller338]

Try adding garlic scapes with your basil. Never too much garlic in my cooking as well.I agree, walnuts instead of pine nuts and Costco parm is the best!

[@HarvestingFaithHomestead]

I made garlic scape pesto right before leaving for the Iowa homesteading conference last week, used garlic scapes, bergamot, and pumpkin seeds rather than the typical stuff, because that’s what I had available on my property lol. I’d never made pesto before but I think it turned out delicious. The bergamot has a light black licorice taste, which I’ve generally not been a fan of but I think it adds an interesting touch to it.

[@jamesdavis-ov8cz]

Was really glad you made this video. I was going to check on how to make pesto. My basil is coming around. Thanks so much

[@deniseharris9363]

Ooo I’m glad you mentioned pistachios! I don’t love walnuts so much but I do love pistachios so I want to try this with them!!!!

[@paigejohnson1782]

We put out basil in a food processor and then put it in ice cube trays and fill them with some olive oil! If you have a tiny harvest you can freeze these little basil cubes and they’re awesome to add to pasta sauce or pasta salad, our family loves them!

[@taylorkettler5884]

I LOVE pesto. one if my favorites is to mix pesto with mayo 50/50 and use it as a sauce on BLTs. I'll also dunk fries in it, or on chicken sandwiches. ugh so good! Another variation that I like is garlic scape pesto and I use this as a pizza sauce with canned brushetta and that turned out great!

[@debichats8634]

I’ve never had pesto….my husband thinks it sounds icky…I’m going to make some, even though I don’t like walnuts…I might like them incorporated into something with basil….I adore basil! I’m growing so many different varieties this year! Thanks Jess! Love your channels!!!!❤❤❤

[@amyschmelzer6445]

I made pesto today. I used a whole head of new garlic that only divided itself into two cloves. They were huge cloves, but it was just two. That was some garlicky pesto. It was hot!

[@erikas974]

I just had breakfast but I am already hungry. Yum. Jess this was very helpful for me because I never ever had eaten pesto or make it. Thank you. Love basil I grow it but I let it go to seeds.

[@plbennett8]

Yes, Pecans are wonderful in Pesto :)

[@charmainemrtnz]

I finally braved making pesto for the first time last year and we loved it. My mouth is watering just watching you make it. I also use walnuts for the price point. My basil is not big enough yet! I can hardly wait!

[@michellelanchantin4743]

Thank so very much for the suggestion of adding hemp hearts. I have recently become a big fan of hemp and am looking for more ways of incorporating the hearts into our diet. Another suggestion if you don't mind. My youngest grandson is highly allergic to tree nuts. One of the substitutes I have found for tree nuts is avocado, especially in pesto. It is delicious and makes a very creamy pesto. Blessings and gratitude. ❤🙏♥

[@PrairieDawnC]

I imagine you could try using unsalted peanuts if you want the nutty flavour.

[@lindasuerussell4398]

I made my first Pesto sauce and we love it. I used pine nuts, just because I had some. I think 'I'll tweak it and add more cheese, but it was delicious.

[@MLF-db9do]

When I make batches of pesto I save servings in a plastic ice tray. Once they are frozen you can take the pesto cubes out and put them in a freezer bag. Need some pesto, reach in the freezer and get a cube or two. It works perfect!

[@roxannemcclintock1495]

We live in the PNW and use hazelnuts in our pesto. Turns out delicious. I love pesto with walnuts as well.

[@terridee9637]

I make my pesto kind of thick. Make spoon size balls and freeze on a cookie sheet. Then transfer to a freezer bag. As you said, you can always thin it out when using with olive oil And I made Basil tea after watching your video. It’s great.

[@belieftransformation]

Awesome demo & suggestions; thanks for sharing! 🤗🇨🇦

[@rebeccabodmer5498]

I love to put pesto sauce on fresh corn on the cob in place of butter 😊 thanks for your channel ❤

[@brichter4669]

I like pistachio nuts in my pesto. I buy a bag of shelled pistachios at Costo for a reasonable price. I don't add lemon juice though. I'm not shy with the garlic either. I have silicone molds for large ice cubes that I use to freeze my pesto. Once frozen, I vacuum seal the cubes in a bag so they last a long time. 😋😋😋

[@millesoc]

I use garlic scapes in pesto, when available. I have used pine nuts, walnuts, hazelnuts, and pumpkin seeds. It's pretty flexible, and all are good. I cover it with olive oil so it doesn't turn brown.

[@Tayberry55]

I made an arugula pesto last fall with pecans and my family loved it. Even my non-pesto eating husband eats it.

[@jenniferr2057]

When I get done making aling and a scraping pesto, I add oil and vinegar to the food processor, a bit of honey and I have salad dressing and a relatively clean food processor!

[@ceciliahuck3423]

I’m allergic to pinenuts. I’m so excited I didn’t know you could switch them out for walnuts and that will work for me. I would love to try pesto, but I have never been able to so thank you.

[@Zone9bgarden]

Pesto green beans are amazing. I sometimes add pistachios to my pesto.

[@dhansonranch]

Looks delicious. Love Pesto. I will use garlic scapes in regular pesto as well. Might try celery pesto this year as well. I freeze mine as well but not in containers. Rather, I take a dollop and put on cookie sheet and then put in freezer. After frozen, I put in freezer bags. I like it because it is just the right amount for me (aor take out more if I need) and thawing is quick or just throw in hot pasta and it thaws real quick. Good video..

[@rooteddinfaithjourney]

am excited I found those container at a rest store close to me..they sell them by piece but not expensive..I have usually done freezer bags but this makes sense..thanks Jess:)...Patricia

[@nancyedgar8639]

I made it with lemon balm yesterday, soo good.

[@nancyewan9685]

For one person, I freeze pesto in 4 oz canning jars. Leaving space by the lid. I add the grated cheese after it is out of the freezer & thawed.

[@turtle2212]

Actually I freeze my pesto in little glass jars with twist off lids. That helps containing the wonderful smell in the jar and not infecting the whole freezer😊. And you can use it as Pizza sauce to spread on the dough instead of tomatoe paste, it really works well. And slices of tomatoe on top.

[@kellygoodwin1439]

Fresh pesto is the best!!

[@homesteadlove]

I made onion pesto last week and froze it in pucks then vacuum sealed them for the freezer. 😊

[@jamjar5716]

Does the onion replace the garlic or the basil?

[@waderue]

I saw video where young lady made pesto out carrot greens and look great

[@stephaniehanuman-dale6279]

Pesto mixed with mayo s good as a sandwich spread, “glue” for panko crust and in potato salad 🌱💚❤️

[@Tayberry55]

I see another PC purchase in your hand 😉 unless it’s an old one. These are my favorite kitchen tools

[@debbiethomas]

Your a girl after my own heart . I make it just the way you did. I prefer walnut or pistachios I just don't like the pine nuts. And Italians love Pine Nuts except this Italian they put them in everything. Forgive me my Italian Family and Friends. I do grow basil in the summer my absolutely love basil in my Tomato Salad that's the one thing I look forward to in the summer. As soon as my tomatoes are ready to be picked thats the first thing I make. Totally enjoyed your video. Thanks😉🙂

[@Romans828girl]

Tomato salad? I don't think I've ever heard of tomato salad! I'm from the South and we make salad out of everything. How has this never occurred to me? How do you make it?

[@debbiethomas]

@Romans828girl Thank you for asking. This is what all my family has made this for years. Cut your tomatoes into bite size pieces I Cut 1 Medium Onion I slice the onion in half then slice each half from top to bottom in about 1/4th of an inch. And We use Hot Peppers sliced. The kind we use are Hungarian Wax, or if you like it hotter Jalapeno peppers. Or if your family doesn't like hot use Sweet Peppers. Seasoning: Salt&Pepper to taste, Garlic powder, I like a lot of garlic up to you then Fresh Basil I tear my Basil it bruises if you slice it. Then here comes they crazy part and I know your going to say that can't be right. Just trust me. I use Vegetable Oil that the way we all have done it. Now I use about 1/4th of a cup of oil poor it over everything then if you have water in your refrigerator add about 1 cup of very cold water. Mix it up really good. Cover it with Plastic Wrap store in the fridge for st least an hour. But, honestly over night is much better. That gives the tomatoes with those delicious juices time to marry. Get you a loaf of good crusty bread. Where I live I'm fortunate to have a couple excellent Italian Bakeries. I can make a meal if just the salad and bread I we all have to take a piece of the bread and dip it in the juice. How I wish my tomatoes were ready. I'm pretty sure you'll have some questions text me back and I'll answer. Buno appetite !

[@Romans828girl]

@@debbiethomas Thank you so much for taking the time to type all of that! Yes it sounds crazy, and yes I'm going to trust you. I do have a question. For one medium onion, 1/4 cup of oil and one cup of water, about how many tomatoes and about how much basil? I can't wait to try this!

[@debbiethomas]

@Romans828girl I usually use 4-5 tomatoes medium to large ones. Basil that's your preference I usually use at least 5 leaves. If there is a medium-sized leaf.

[@debbiethomas]

@@Romans828girl I hope this didn't wake you up I'm usually an up all night person. Please forgive me if it did.

[@anitahouse3600]

sounds funny, but i like to cook green beans, drain then mix in some pesto. yummy!

[@lorieflanders]

It’s great as a pizza sauce!

[@cecilesmith5688]

Try putting a smidge on poached eggs and artisan toast… yea.. so good

[@andrewhammill6148]

I've used pine, pecans and walnuts. Have also added jalapenos in it. And I go heavy on the garlic also. But I never put lemon juice in it. And Jess - Don't cut the cheese. (LOL)

[@tamara4557]

Jalapenos to the pesto, what a great idea

[@lauriknox2486]

I love pesto but I hate olive oil (I don't like the flavor and it makes my tongue feel fuzzy). I use various different oils depending what I have on hand. I prefer using pine nuts but due to cost I too mostly use walnuts, but I always toast them lightly and then use walnut oil! If I am low on basil, I'll add parsley. Sometimes I'll use tahini instead of nuts and use sesame oil to get it to the right consistancy. I love your recipes on this channel!

[@gailsears2913]

Good to know it freezes!