Pistachios are a unique and delicious addition to a traditional pesto recipe. The buttery, nutty flavor of the pistachios adds a depth to the sauce that cannot be found with traditional pine nuts.
Bottarga, a delicacy made from the dried and salted roe of grey mullet or tuna, adds a briny, umami flavor to the pesto. It may not be a common ingredient in your pantry, but it is definitely worth the trip to a specialty food store.
To make this unusual pesto recipe, start by toasting a half cup of pistachios in the oven at 350 degrees for 8-10 minutes, or until they are lightly browned and fragrant. Allow them to cool before adding them to a food processor.
Add two cloves of garlic to the food processor, along with a half cup of fresh basil leaves, and pulse until the ingredients are finely chopped. Then, add in a quarter cup of grated parmesan cheese and pulse a few more times until everything is combined.
Now, it’s time to add the unique ingredients. Grate a tablespoon of bottarga and add it to the food processor, along with a half cup of olive oil. Pulse until everything is well combined and smooth.
Taste the pesto and add salt to taste. Keep in mind that the bottarga is already quite salty, so you may not need much more.
Serve the pistachio pesto with bottarga over your pasta, and garnish with extra grated bottarga and chopped pistachios.
This unusual pesto recipe is sure to impress your dinner guests or your family. It’s a great way to mix up the traditional pasta night dinner, and it’s a simple recipe to make for a weeknight meal.
The pistachios add a unique crunch to the sauce, and the bottarga provides a depth of flavor that cannot be found in traditional pesto . It’s the perfect recipe for those who love to try new and unusual ingredients in their cooking.
In addition to pasta, this unique pesto recipe can also be used as a spread on sandwiches, as a sauce for roasted vegetables, or even as a dip for crackers or vegetables.
So next time you’re in the mood for a twist on traditional pesto, give this pistachio pesto with bottarga a try. Your taste buds will thank you for it.