Pesto pizza sauce is a change from regular tomato-based sauces that is flavorful and fun, and it is getting a lot more popular. Pesto also makes a great sandwich spread, toast topping, and dip, and is great in any number of other uses. Adding parsley, lemon, and red pepper to this recipe gives a bit more zing to your pie.
Top your pesto pizza with goat cheese roasted cherry tomatoes and roasted garlic for a fantastic taste treat. Try this excellent basil-based Italian food on just about everything – not just pizza. While you are waiting for the nuts to cool, you can just put the remaining ingredients in the food processor. Taste as you go along to figure out what the best ingredient balance is for you.
Zingy Pesto Pizza Sauce Ingredients
2 cups fresh basil leaves
1 cup fresh Italian parsley leaves
½ cup parmesan cheese, grated
½ cup pine nuts, toasted
4 cloves garlic, chopped roughly
⅛ teaspoon red pepper
¼ teaspoon salt
½ cup olive oil
1 tablespoon lemon juice
2 tablespoons water
Preparation
Toast pine nuts in a hot pan or in the oven.
Allow cooling.
Combine all ingredients in a blender or food processor and puree until a thick, smooth paste has formed.
Allow resting for thirty minutes for flavors to develop, and then spread on pizza crust as usual.
(Makes 3 cups, or tops 3 to 6 pizzas)