The basil has been plentiful all summer here in sunny Santa Barbara… We need new ways to use it and beans is now coming strong. Lets mix both of these August/September crops and create a simple but delicious side dish. TO make this recipe ADD our delicious raw walnut and delicious ethically sourced Olive Oil to your order. It is the way to go for flavor and best local choices you have for the 2020’s.

Simple Organic & Local Green Beans/Pesto Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 cups fresh organic basil leaves, packed
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (get it from Cheese Shop or Whole food)
• 1/3 cup walnuts, toasted
• 2 cloves organic garlic
• 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil (locally sourced, if possible)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Toast the Nuts: In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the walnuts until lightly golden and fragrant. Stir frequently to prevent burning. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
2. Blend the Pesto: In a food processor, combine the toasted nuts, organic basil leaves, grated Parmesan cheese, and peeled organic garlic cloves.
3. Add Olive Oil: With the food processor running, slowly drizzle in the extra-virgin olive oil until the mixture becomes smooth and well combined. If the pesto is too thick, add more olive oil as needed to reach the desired consistency.
4. Season: Season the pesto with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Blend again to incorporate the seasoning.
5. Serve: Transfer the organic and locally sourced green pesto to a glass jar or an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator.
6. Enjoy: Use the pesto as a delicious sauce for pasta, a spread for sandwiches, or a dip for vegetables. Enjoy the vibrant flavors of this simple and mindful recipe.

This organic and local green pesto recipe celebrates the flavors of fresh basil and locally sourced ingredients. By using high-quality, organic components, you’ll create a pesto that not only tastes wonderful but also supports sustainable and eco-friendly practices.

Amazing poem that I found online. I hope it’s ok to share:)

Fun linguistic fact: The English word pestle (the rounded tool used to crush substances in a mortar) is related to pesto. Both come from the Latin word pistare, which means to pound.