'Tis the season for festive gatherings, delicious food, and maybe just a little bit of cooking chaos! But fear not, fellow foodies. Treva Gambs, the culinary heart and soul of Gamberetti's Italian Restaurant in Salem, Oregon, is here to share a recipe that will not only impress your guests but also simplify your holiday meal prep. Get ready for Treva's garlicky pesto – a vibrant, versatile sauce that's perfect for the holidays and beyond.
Why Pesto? A Classic with Endless Possibilities
Pesto is a beloved Italian sauce with a rich history, originating in Genoa, Italy. Traditionally made with fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, olive oil, and salt, this simple yet flavorful sauce is incredibly versatile. At Gamberetti's, we love it tossed with our house-made pasta, but it's equally delicious on grilled meats, sandwiches, pizzas, and more.
Treva's Twist: A Garlic Lover's Dream (with a Customizable Kick!)
Treva's version stays true to the classic pesto recipe but with a garlicky punch that's sure to tantalize your taste buds. But here's the best part: Treva encourages you to make it your own! Love garlic? Go wild! Prefer a milder flavor? Dial it back. Want a nuttier flavor? Try walnuts or hazelnuts instead of pine nuts. Prefer a creamier texture? A touch of cream does the trick. This is all about creating a pesto that perfectly suits your taste.
Treva's Garlicky Pesto Recipe:
Yields: Approximately 1.5 cups
Pair with: A crisp, dry rosé, like the Sokol Blosser Rosé.
Ingredients:
6 cups fresh basil, washed and large stems removed
3-4 cloves garlic (or more, to taste!)
1 cup pine nuts
1 cup grated Romano cheese
1/2 large lemon, juiced and seeds removed
1/2 tbsp lemon zest
Olive oil, to reach desired consistency
Salt & freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Cooking Steps:
In a food processor, combine the basil, garlic, pine nuts, and Romano cheese. Blitz until finely chopped.
With the processor running, slowly drizzle in olive oil until the desired consistency is reached.
Add lemon juice and zest. Pulse to combine.
Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
Meal Prep Hack: Pesto Power!
One of the best things about pesto? You can make it ahead of time! Treva recommends preparing a batch (or two!) of pesto in advance and freezing it for those busy weeks. Simply defrost and use as needed. It's a flavor-packed time-saver that will make your cooking a breeze.
More Than Just Pasta: Unleash Your Pesto Creativity
While pesto is a classic pasta sauce, don't limit yourself! Treva uses her pesto to marinate meats and seafood, adding a burst of fresh flavor to grilled dishes. It's also delicious as a spread for sandwiches, a topping for crostini, or even stirred into soups for an extra layer of flavor. Get creative and explore the possibilities!
Gamberetti's: Your Italian Haven in Salem
This holiday season, let Gamberetti's be your culinary destination in Salem, Oregon. We offer a warm, inviting atmosphere, perfect for intimate gatherings or larger celebrations. Our group dining options make it easy to host your holiday events with us, and our menu features a variety of delicious dishes to satisfy everyone's cravings. And if you're looking for the perfect holiday meal to enjoy at home, Treva's garlicky pesto is a must-try!
From Our Kitchen to Yours: Fresh, House-Made Goodness
At Gamberetti's, we're passionate about using the freshest, highest-quality ingredients. That's why we make our pasta in-house, ensuring a truly authentic Italian experience. In Treva's video, you'll see her toss her vibrant pesto with our fresh gemelli pasta – a match made in culinary heaven!
Until next time, happy cooking and buon appetito!
Part 1
Watch the full video
Part 2
Comments