| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 0 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 403 | 36g | 8g | 14g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 3g | 2g | 9g | 0.15g |
Within the panorama of heartland cooking, there are those standout dishes that manage to encapsulate the very essence of Midwestern charm. The Peppermint Gum Leaf Pesto is one such recipe that I’ve been drawn to over the years. It’s a versatile and flavour-packed sauce, whose fresh, minty undertones and sweet fruit accents create a beautiful symphony in your mouth.
A Modern Twist to a Beloved Classic
While deeply rooted in traditional pesto preparation, the Peppermint Gum Leaf Pesto takes a fresh twist on things by incorporating the tasteful notes of peppermint gum leaves and naturally sweet fruit. It pays homage to the good ol’ basil pesto but with a wonderfully unique kick. This peppermint gum leaf addition, true to its Midwestern roots, not only imbues the sauce with a delightful freshness but also brings along significant health benefits, such as aiding in digestion, boosting immune function, and relieving headaches.
A Tasty Companion to a Number of Dishes
Pairing this Peppermint Gum Leaf Pesto with pasta or slathering it over roasted chicken will take your dish to new culinary heights. If you’re a fan of classic Italian recipes like Bruschetta, substituting the regular basil-based pesto with this unique recipe will deliver a delightful and refreshing change.
I believe that great cooking is about more than the ingredients you use. It’s about the stories they tell, and the people they bring together. And this recipe? It’s a testament to the beating heart of Midwest farm-to-table freshness, and a tribute to my roots in Nebraska. I hope you relish every spoonful of this pesto sauce as much as I do, taste the adventure in every bite, and let it take you on an exciting new gastronomic journey.
May this recipe fill your kitchen with the fragrant notes of fresh-picked basil, lightly toasted pine nuts and zestfully minced garlic, enveloping your senses in the fulfilling embrace of heartland cooking, as it does mine. Cheers to good health and better food!
What You’ll Need
- 2 cups of fresh basil leaves
- 1 cup of fresh peppermint gum leaves
- 1/2 cup of pine nuts
- 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese
- 3 cloves of garlic
- 1/2 cup of extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
- 1/2 cup of chopped fresh fruit (such as strawberries or peaches)
Method
Step One
Begin by combining the fresh basil leaves, fresh peppermint gum leaves, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and garlic cloves in a food processor. Blend these together until they are finely chopped.
Step Two
With the motor of the food processor still running, gradually add in the extra virgin olive oil. Continue blending until the mixture becomes creamy and well combined.
Step Three
Once the mixture is properly combined, season it with salt, pepper, and add the lemon juice. Pulse for a few more seconds to ensure that the ingredients are completely blended together.
Step Four
Transfer the pesto into a serving bowl. Stir in the chopped fresh fruit of your choice, strawberries or peaches work quite well with this recipe. Serve immediately, or refrigerate for later use.
