Pesto, an Italian sauce made with fresh basil leaves, garlic, pine nuts, olive oil, and Parmesan cheese, has been a favorite sauce of many for centuries.

It’s used in countless recipes, from pasta to sandwiches, and is a quick and easy way to add flavor to any dish. In this recipe, we’ll be switching things up a bit by adding Florin peppers and goat cheese to the mix for a unique twist on the classic pesto.

Ingredients

2 cups fresh basil leaves, packed
3 Florin peppers, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup pine nuts
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/3 cup olive oil
1/2 cup crumbled goat cheese
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F.
Spread the pine nuts out on a baking sheet and toast them in the oven for 5-7 minutes, or until lightly golden brown. Set aside to cool.
In a food processor, combine the basil leaves, chopped Florin peppers, minced garlic, and toasted pine nuts. Pulse until everything is finely chopped.
Add the grated Parmesan cheese and pulse a few more times. Then, slowly drizzle in the olive oil while the food processor is running until everything is well combined and forms a smooth paste.
Transfer the pesto to a bowl and stir in the crumbled goat cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Use the pesto immediately, or store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.

Serving Suggestions

This pesto can be used in a variety of ways! Here are a few ideas:.

Toss it with pasta for a simple, yet flavorful meal.
Spread it on a sandwich or wrap for a tasty lunch.
Use it as a dip for veggies or crackers.
Add a dollop to grilled chicken or fish for an extra burst of flavor.
Serve it as a condiment alongside grilled meats.

The Benefits of Florin Peppers

Florin peppers, also known as Italian frying peppers, are a type of sweet pepper that are commonly used in Italian cooking. They’re often sautéed or roasted and used as a side dish or as a topping for pizza.

But, in this recipe, we’re using them in a different way – as a main ingredient in pesto!.

Not only do Florin peppers add a sweet and tangy flavor to the pesto, but they also offer a number of health benefits. For one, they’re loaded with vitamin C, which helps boost the immune system and fight off diseases.

They also contain antioxidants, which help protect the body from damage caused by free radicals.

So, not only does this pesto taste great, but it’s good for you too!.

Why Goat Cheese?

Goat cheese is a popular ingredient in many recipes. It has a tangy, slightly sweet flavor that pairs well with a variety of flavors and ingredients. In this recipe, goat cheese is used to add a creamy texture to the pesto.

It also helps balance out the acidity of the Florin peppers and gives the pesto a nice depth of flavor.

Goat cheese is also a healthier alternative to many other types of cheese. It’s lower in calories and fat than some other cheeses and is a good source of protein and calcium.

In Conclusion

This pesto recipe is a simple yet delicious way to switch up the classic dish. The addition of Florin peppers and goat cheese gives it a unique flavor that will leave your taste buds satisfied.

Plus, it’s packed with vitamins and nutrients that are good for you. Give this recipe a try and enjoy a new take on an old favorite!.