Il Pesto

Servings: 6 Difficulty: Intermediate
A rich, savory liver and basil pesto with sharp white cheese and walnuts
Il Pesto recipe image

This unique take on traditional pesto combines fresh basil, black walnuts, and sharp white cheese with sautéed pig’s liver for a deeply savory and complex flavor profile. The result is a thick, luxurious spread that offers a smooth, creamy texture with distinct bites of liver. It delivers an earthy, herbal aroma balanced by the richness of butter and olive oil. This versatile sauce is perfect as a decadent spread for crackers or as a robust topping for spaghetti. It is an excellent choice for those looking to elevate simple pasta dishes with a gourmet, home-style touch.

Il Pesto

Difficulty: Intermediate
Servings: 6 Calories: 206.0

Description

This unique take on traditional pesto combines fresh basil, black walnuts, and sharp white cheese with saut&# 195;©ed pig's liver for a deeply savory and complex flavor profile. The result is a thick, luxurious spread that offers a smooth, creamy texture with distinct bites of liver. It delivers an earthy, herbal aroma balanced by the richness of butter and olive oil. This versatile sauce is perfect as a decadent spread for crackers or as a robust topping for spaghetti. It is an excellent choice for those looking to elevate simple pasta dishes with a gourmet, home-style touch.

Ingredients

Directions

  1. Sauté the pig's liver in the butter until cooked through.
  2. Remove the liver from the pan and let it cool.
  3. Coarsely chop the cooled liver.
  4. Place fresh basil, garlic cloves, black walnuts, chives, cheese, salt, pepper, and 1/4 cup of olive oil into a blender or food processor.
  5. Blend at low speed until a puree consistency is achieved.
  6. Slowly add the remaining olive oil while blending at low speed until fully incorporated and the consistency resembles whipped cream.
  7. Add the chopped liver to the mixture.
  8. Blend for 5 seconds only, ensuring the texture of the liver remains discernible.
  9. Serve as a spread for crackers or as a sauce for spaghetti.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 6


Amount Per Serving
Calories 206.0kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 17.7g28%
Saturated Fat 10.6g53%
Cholesterol 176.2mg59%
Sodium 159.8mg7%
Total Carbohydrate 1.1g1%
Dietary Fiber 0.0g0%
Sugars 0.7g
Protein 9.2g19%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

If using this pesto as a sauce for spaghetti, increase the amount of olive oil to 1-1/2 cups to achieve a pourable consistency.

Ensure the liver is cooked thoroughly before blending to guarantee food safety.

For best flavor, use fresh basil and high-quality extra virgin olive oil.

This pesto can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Keywords: pesto, liver, basil, walnuts, cheese, sauce, spread, italian, garlic, olive oil, chives, savory, rich, blender, homemade
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