How to use store bought pesto?

How to Use Store-Bought Pesto: Enhancing Your Culinary Creativity

Store-bought pesto is a convenient and delicious addition to many meals. However, it’s easy to get stuck in a rut and use it in the same old recipes. In this article, we’ll explore the countless ways to use store-bought pesto, making it a staple in your kitchen.

How to Use Store-Bought Pesto: The Basics

Before we dive into creative ways to use pesto, let’s cover the basics. Here are the most common ways to consume store-bought pesto:

• Spread on bread: Pesto pairs perfectly with crackers, Crostini, or sandwiches. Simply spread a spoonful on your favorite bread for a tasty snack or sandwich filling.
• Veggie dip: Transform pesto into a vegetable dip by mixing it with sour cream or Greek yogurt. Serve with crudités, crackers, or pita chips.
• Pasta sauce: Use pesto as a sauce for pasta, incorporating it with garlic, cherry tomatoes, and grilled vegetables for a flavorful and refreshing dish.

Pesto in the Kitchen: Get Creative!

While traditional uses are a great start, pesto’s adaptability makes it a great addition to many dishes beyond the basics. Here are some innovative ways to use store-bought pesto:

Dishes

• Soups: Add a spoonful of pesto to soups like tomato soup, cream of broccoli, or Minestrone for an earthy flavor boost.
• Risottos and pilafs: Mix pesto with cooked rice to create a flavorful side dish or add it to the cooking liquid for an instant flavor upgrade.
• Casseroles and gratins: Combine pesto with heavy cream or Greek yogurt to create a creamy sauce for baked veggies, chicken, or scallops.

Spreads and Dips

• Hummus: Mix pesto with chickpeas, garlic, and lemon juice to create a tasty hummus alternative.
• Greek yogurt dip: Combine pesto with Greek yogurt and a pinch of salt for a creamy dip.
• Tzatziki sauce: Blend pesto with Greek yogurt, lemon juice, and garlic for a refreshing tzatziki sauce.

Grilling and Roasting

• Marinades: Use pesto as a marinade for chicken, shrimp, or vegetables. Mix it with olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic for added flavor.
• Grilled sandwiches: Spread pesto on a grilled cheese sandwich or use it as a butter substitute for a unique twist.
• Roasted vegetables: Drizzle roasted vegetables with pesto during the last 10 minutes of cooking for an added flavor layer.

Other

• Stuffed Chicken: Mix pesto with cream cheese and fill baked chicken breasts for a creative twist.
• Spaghetti squash: Combine cooked spaghetti squash with pesto, garlic, and pine nuts for a low-carb alternative to traditional spaghetti.
• Grated cheese: Mix grated parmesan with pesto and serve as a snacking cheese alternative.

Tips and Variations

Here are some additional tips and variations to take your pesto game to the next level:

• Experiment with different pestos: Try using sun-dried tomato pesto or garlic and herb pesto to add unique flavors.
• Add fresh flavors: Mix pesto with fresh herbs like basil or parsley for an added fragrance.
• Thinner consistency: Thin pesto with olive oil or broth for a more saucy consistency.
• Make ahead: Prepare large batches of pesto ahead of time and store them in the fridge for up to a week or freezer for up to 3 months.

Conclusion

Store-bought pesto is a versatile ingredient waiting to be explored. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a culinary novice, pesto can elevate dishes from basic to brilliant. By incorporating these creative tips and variations, you’ll unlock the full potential of store-bought pesto and discover new favorite ways to use it in the kitchen.

Table 1: Pesto Ratio Guide

Feel free to adjust the quantities based on your personal preference and the recipe’s complexity.