Friday, June 29, 2007

Basil Habanero Pesto

I'm a huge fan of all things pesto. It's such a great little thing to have on hand to pep up everyday food items, like grilled cheese sandwiches, pasta, and omelets. Although I normally keep the jarred stuff in my pantry, I do love making my own fresh pesto.

I thought I'd try kicking it up a notch by throwing in some of the gorgeous habaneros I found at the farmer's market earlier in the week. With 1 pepper, it only ranks about a 2.5 out of 5 on the 28 Cooks' Hot-O-Meter, so if you really like spicy, throw in an extra.

This pesto is perfect to toss with pasta and would be perfect with shrimp or chicken. It also makes a fabulous grilled cheese or a really bangin' omelet.

Basil Habanero Pesto

Basil Habanero Pesto

1/3 c pine nuts
5 cloves garlic
1-2 habanero pepper, seeds and stem removed
4 c fresh basil leaves
Zest and juice of 1 lemon
3 tbsp olive oil
1/2 c freshly-shredded Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste

In food processor, process pine nuts and garlic until paste starts to form. Add habanero peppers, basil, lemon zest and juice, and oil, and process until smooth. Transfer to bowl and stir in cheese. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

11 comments:

  1. Anonymous6:24 PM

    Gorgeous picture, as usual. Wow, that sounds a bit spicy for me and my family, but maybe we can get away with half a habanero pepper. :)

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  2. Your photos and recipes are so fresh and appetizing. I just discovered your blog and am sure I'll be visiting again.

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  3. Either that's a really huge habanero, or a really itty-bitty dish! Either way - great photo and recipe is now in my "to try" file.

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  4. I definitely want to try this recipe! Thanks for sharing! I also love the idea of the bowl on top of the pepper :)

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  5. Caroline - I think you could probably get away with half a pepper, or I'd try using a pepper that's a little more mild.

    Susan - Glad to have you!

    Vicki - it's a very small bowl. It probably holds a tablespoon or so. Thanks for the compliments and you'll have to let me know how it turns out for you!

    Carla - Thanks! Let me know when you try it!

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  6. Oh wow!That looks wonderful!

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  7. So cute! My mouth is on fire just looking at that pepper.
    Just added you to my Pesto roundup. Must be the season!

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  8. Wow! I want some of that now! Great for dipping french fries, I'm guessing!

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  9. I followed the recipe perfectly but skipped the pepper... it tasted of lemon and not much else! What gives?

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  10. I bought a baby habanero pepper at the farmer's market yesterday, so I tried this recipe. Excellent dish but man was my mouth on fire!! I don't think I could eat this on a regular basis unless I use half a pepper.

    (Yes I know this post is old, but I'm hoping you get comment alerts in your email!)

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  11. Anonymous1:24 PM

    I made this exactly as described with one habanero and it was awesome! Thank you for all the great reicpes you post!

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