Pesto is a versatile sauce that elevates pasta and gnocchi dishes. Made primarily from fresh basil, garlic, and olive oil, it adds rich flavour and vibrant colour to meals. Always a popular choice among restaurant-goers, these applications offer both classic and creative ways to incorporate pesto into your menu.
Pesto Basics
Pesto is a delicious sauce with a rich heritage, traditionally hailing from the Liguria region of Italy.
What Is Pesto?
Pesto is a vibrant sauce typically made from fresh basil, crushed garlic, nuts, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil. The blend results in a creamy, aromatic topping that enhances various dishes, especially pasta and gnocchi, creating a delightful fusion of flavours and textures.
Now, let’s look at ways that pesto can be used to enhance your restaurant’s menu.
1: Offer More than One Variety
Classic Pesto Sauce always makes for an appealing addition to dishes, but the clientele of your restaurant will appreciate having alternative varieties to try. That’s where Olivieri® Foodservice’s Basil Pesto with Almonds comes in. This variety adds a unique twist to this much-loved Italian sauce. Its nutty notes enhance the traditional flavours in pesto resulting in an irresistible variation.
2: Pesto Dip – The Perfect Way to Whet the Appetite
Dining out should always be a warm and enjoyable experience. Your patrons will appreciate the attention to detail when it comes to meeting their expectations. Serving pesto dips with grissini as a complimentary appetizer is a wonderful way to create a welcoming atmosphere.
3: Enhancing Appetizers with Pesto
When restaurant-goers visit Italian restaurants, they expect to have antipasto options to select prior to ordering the main course. These Fresh Mozzarella Tomato Crostini are a crowd-pleasing finger food option elevated by the addition of pesto sauce.
5: Make Gourmet Gnocchi Dishes with Pesto
Gnocchi is a must-have ingredient in any restaurant kitchen. Soft and chewy, they provide the perfect base for flavourful dishes with diverse ingredients. Patrons will appreciate creativity when it comes to gnocchi options, that’s why this simple Gnocchi Pasta Salad with pesto is sure to go down a treat.
6: Gourmet Chicken Dishes
Pesto and chicken are a winning combo on any menu. They can be served together in many mouthwatering variations, with a wide variety of ingredients. For a vibrant and satisfying dish, try this Chicken Pesto Tortellini with Cherry Tomatoes.
7: Vibrant Tortellini Dish
Presentation is a key element of any restaurant menu. Having visually appealing dishes to entice customers is a must, and that’s where Olivieri 3 Formaggi Rainbow Tortellini come in. These bright and colourful cheese-filled pasta shells are as delicious as they are pleasing to the eye. Pairing cheese with pesto takes this satisfying dish to new levels. The creamy and comforting cheese is elevated by the rich and herbaceous pesto, resulting in a mouthwatering, crowd-pleasing meal that’s sure to please patrons.
Tips for Perfect Pesto Dishes
Creating exceptional pesto dishes relies on knowing a few essential techniques and tips. From balancing flavours to proper storage, each step can enhance the overall experience of a meal.
Balancing Flavours
The key to a delicious pesto lies in the careful balancing of its flavours. Using fresh, high-quality ingredients is crucial for achieving the best results. Here are some tips to consider:
- Utilize fresh basil as the main herb. The freshness significantly impacts the taste.
- Incorporate the right amount of garlic. Too much can overpower, while too little can cause the sauce to lack depth.
- Adjust the level of olive oil to achieve a smooth texture without making it greasy.
- Experiment with the types of nuts used. Pine nuts provide a traditional flavour, but alternatives like walnuts or almonds can add unique tastes.
- Don’t overlook the importance of quality Parmesan cheese, which gives the sauce rich umami notes.
Cooking Tips for Pesto Dishes
When preparing dishes that feature pesto, several cooking techniques can elevate the overall flavour profiles:
- Always add pesto at the end of cooking to preserve its fresh flavour. Heat can diminish the vibrancy of the basil.
- For pasta, reserve a small amount of pasta water to adjust the sauce’s consistency as needed. This technique helps in mixing the sauce thoroughly.
- Consider toasting nuts lightly before incorporating them into the pesto. Toasting can enhance their flavour and add complexity.
- Vegetables can be sautéed before adding the pesto. Not only does this help develop their flavours but also combines well with the dish’s overall taste.
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