A rustic Prekmurje-style pesto that brings together basil, pumpkin seeds, and pumpkin seed oil in a simple but flavorful way.
Ingredients
- 1 bunch basil
- 2 cloves garlic
- 100 g pumpkin seeds
- 200 g Parmesan
- 80 g pumpkin seed oil
- 10 g dark balsamic vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
Instructions Link to heading
- Remove the basil leaves from the stems and place them in a blender together with the garlic cloves.
- Blend until finely chopped.
- Add the pumpkin seeds and Parmesan, then blend again until everything is well combined.
- Transfer the mixture to a bowl and stir in the pumpkin seed oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper.
- Mix well and transfer to a jar.
- Keep refrigerated until ready to serve.
Notes Link to heading
Pumpkin seeds and pumpkin seed oil are deeply tied to the flavors of Prekmurje, so this pesto feels a little like a regional twist on a classic idea.
This pesto is my latest discovery. You could almost call it a kind of Prekmurje-style pseudo pesto.
It is not the most traditional pesto in the world, but that is exactly why I like it. It has that local character, a good dose of pumpkin seed oil, and just enough garlic to keep things interesting.
It works as a dip, on bread, with pasta, or as a flavorful addition to soups and sauces.
Vesela kuharija 😋👌