How to Make Potted Pesto Taste Better

If you’re looking for easy ways how to make potted pesto taste better, you’ve come to the right place! Potted pesto often lacks the freshness and vibrancy of homemade pesto, but with a few simple tweaks, you can enhance its flavor and texture to make it as delicious as freshly made pesto.

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1. Understanding Pesto: History and Use

Pesto, traditionally known as Pesto alla Genovese, hails from Genoa, Italy. Made from fresh basil leaves, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil, this sauce is an essential part of Italian cuisine. It’s used as a topping for pasta, a spread for bread, and a sauce for meats and vegetables.

However, the convenience of potted pesto makes it a go-to choice for many home cooks. While convenient, store-bought pesto often falls short of the homemade variety due to its preserved nature. Understanding its origins will give you a clearer picture of how to restore its vibrant flavor.

How Much Pesto to Add to Pasta? (delicioussrecipes.com)

2. Common Problems with Store-bought Pesto

When you open a jar of store-bought pesto, you might notice certain issues that detract from its original essence:

• Lack of freshness: The vibrant flavors of fresh basil are often dulled.
• Overly oily: Many store-bought versions use excessive olive oil for preservation.
• Garlic imbalance: Some potted pesto can have an overpowering garlic flavor or lack sufficient garlic punch.
• Muted cheese flavor: Parmesan or Pecorino cheese often loses its boldness when packaged.

These challenges are typical in pre-packaged pesto, but luckily, they can be easily remedied.

3. Enhancing Pesto with Fresh Ingredients

The easiest way to improve the taste of Perfect Pestois by adding fresh ingredients. These not only restore the vibrancy but also enhance the sauce in unique ways:

3.1 Fresh Herbs: Basil and Beyond

• Basil: Adding fresh basil leaves is the simplest way to revitalize the sauce. Basil’s natural oils tend to degrade over time in packaged pesto, so a handful of fresh basil can make a big difference.
• Parsley or Cilantro: For added complexity, mix in parsley or cilantro. These herbs provide brightness and a slight peppery note that complements the traditional pesto flavor.

3.2 Fresh Garlic

• Fresh Garlic: Store-bought pesto can either be overly garlicky or not garlicky enough. By adding a clove or two of minced fresh garlic, you can better control the balance and depth of the flavor.

3.3 Lemon Zest and Juice

• Lemon Zest: Adding the zest of a lemon brightens the pesto, cutting through the oiliness and enhancing its complexity.
• Lemon Juice: A splash of lemon juice introduces acidity that balances the richness of the cheese and nuts in the sauce.

4. Improving the Texture of Pesto

Texture plays a crucial role in the overall experience of pesto sauce. Often, store-bought versions can be either too thick or too thin, depending on how they were manufactured. There are several ways to adjust the texture:

4.1 Extra Virgin Olive Oil

• Drizzling Olive Oil: One of the simplest ways to fix dry or thick pesto is to drizzle in some extra virgin olive oil. This not only smoothens the texture but also adds a fresh, fruity note to the sauce.

4.2 Cream or Crème Fraîche

• Heavy Cream or Crème Fraîche: For a creamier pesto, add a tablespoon or two of heavy cream or crème fraîche. This works especially well when using pesto as a sauce for pasta or a topping for meats.

4.3 Adding Crushed Nuts

• Pine Nuts, Walnuts, or Cashews: Store-bought pesto often lacks the texture provided by freshly ground nuts. By adding crushed pine nuts, walnuts, or cashews, you can introduce a welcome crunch and a richer, nuttier flavor.

5. Flavor Enhancers for Pesto

To further amplify the taste of your pesto sauce, consider adding these flavor enhancers:

5.1 Spices and Seasonings

• Black Pepper: Freshly ground black pepper adds warmth and spiciness to the sauce.
• Red Pepper Flakes: For those who like a kick, adding red pepper flakes gives the pesto a subtle heat.
• Smoked Paprika: This adds a smoky depth that pairs well with roasted vegetables and grilled meats.

5.2 Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Roasted Peppers

• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: For a more complex flavor, chop up some sun-dried tomatoes and mix them into the pesto. This adds a tangy, umami flavor that complements the sweetness of the basil.
• Roasted Peppers: Roasted red peppers bring a subtle sweetness and depth that contrasts nicely with the bright, herbal flavors of the pesto.

5.3 Capers and Anchovies

• Capers: Capers add a briny, tangy bite to the pesto, perfect for cutting through the richness of the sauce.
• Anchovies: A small amount of anchovy paste or finely chopped anchovies will add a savory, umami depth without making the pesto taste fishy.

6. Creative Uses for Enhanced Pesto

Once you’ve enhanced your pesto, there are many creative ways to use it in your cooking beyond just pasta:

6.1 Pesto as a Spread

• Sandwiches and Wraps: Use your improved pesto as a spread on sandwiches, wraps, or paninis for a burst of fresh flavor.
• Crostini: Spread pesto on toasted bread or crostini for a simple yet delicious appetizer.

6.2 Pesto as a Marinade

• Marinating Meats: Use pesto as a marinade for chicken, fish, or even tofu. The oil and herbs in the pesto will help tenderize the meat while imparting flavor.
• Roasting Vegetables: Toss vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or eggplant in pesto before roasting to add an extra layer of flavor.

6.3 Pesto in Salads

• Pasta Salads: Mix pesto into cold pasta salads for a flavorful dressing that’s lighter than traditional mayonnaise-based dressings.
• Grain Bowls: Add pesto to grain bowls or quinoa salads for a bright, herbaceous topping that pairs well with roasted veggies and proteins.

7. Storing and Preserving Pesto

Once you’ve made your adjustments to store-bought pesto, you’ll want to store it properly to preserve its fresh flavor.

7.1 Refrigerating Pesto

• Airtight Containers: Store pesto in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it will stay fresh for up to a week. If your pesto begins to discolor, adding a thin layer of olive oil on top can help prevent oxidation.

7.2 Freezing Pesto

• Ice Cube Trays: For longer-term storage, freeze pesto in ice cube trays. Once frozen, pop the cubes into a freezer bag. This makes it easy to thaw individual servings when needed.
• Freezer Life: Frozen pesto can last up to three months in the freezer without losing much of its flavor.

8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do you fix bitter pesto?

If your pesto is too bitter, balance it with more Parmesan cheese, nuts, or a small amount of sugar.

How do I make pesto less oily?

To reduce the oiliness, add more fresh herbs, cheese, or crushed nuts to absorb excess oil.

Can I make pesto with other greens besides basil?

Yes, spinach, arugula, kale, and even cilantro make excellent alternatives to basil in pesto.

What are some creative ways to use pesto?

Aside from pasta, pesto can be used in sandwiches, wraps, as a marinade, or even as a pizza topping.

How do I store pesto properly?

Keep pesto in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week or freeze it in ice cube trays for up to three months.

9. Conclusion

With these tips and tricks, you can easily enhance store-bought pesto to taste as fresh and flavorful as homemade. Whether you’re adding fresh ingredients, improving the texture, or using pesto in creative ways, these simple adjustments will elevate any dish. Experiment with different combinations, and you’ll soon find that store-bought pesto can become a flavorful and versatile addition to your kitchen repertoire.