Perfect Pesto Pairings

Isn't summer wonderful? The long sunlight hours, the green grass, the flowers, and, of course, all the fresh fruits and veggies! 

My garden is full right now, and it's been a great summer for basil. 

I grow basil every year because we love to add it to our water for a bright infusion when we're especially hot. We like it on our weekly made-from-scratch pizza. I like it because it helps repel bugs like mosquitoes, so it's nice to have around the house. I also love it to make PESTO. 

I know I'm not the only person who absolutely LOVES pesto. It's just so summery and adds so much flavor to any dish.

This year, I've been adding pesto to any dish I can - just to try it, and because I know basil has many health benefits. When paired with high-quality olive oil, fresh garlic, and pine nuts, it's really an amazing food.

Basil contains powerful antioxidants like flavonoids and polyphenols that help protect your cells from oxidative stress. It also contains Vitamin K, potassium, and magnesium. The oil found in basil leaves is naturally antimicrobial and antiviral and may help provide natural protection from those bacteria (hello playgrounds, parks, and picnic tables!). 

Basil is also considered a cooling herb that may help reduce heat-related stress or inflammation caused by hot weather. The adaptogenic properties of basil mean it may help your body adapt to stress, balance cortisol levels, and improve mental clarity. I don't know about you, but I need all the mental clarity I can get these days!

The other main ingredients, garlic and olive oil, also contain antioxidants that can help reduce inflammation and support overall health. 

Garlic contains compounds like allicin that have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects. Garlic is also known for its immune-boosting properties due to its antimicrobial and antiviral compounds.

Olive oil contains oleocanthal, a compound with anti-inflammatory properties similar to ibuprofen. It also provides Vitamin E and healthy fats. These healthy fats provide even more Omega-3s than just eating grass-fed meats alone. These Omega-3s are essential for brain health.

Who knew there were so many health benefits in something so yummy? (I mean, besides you and me; because we already eat grass-fed meat. 😉)

Ok. Ready for your Quick and Easy Pesto recipe? Here you go:

4 cups fresh basil leaves

2-3 cloves of garlic (I tend to add more!)

1/4 cup Parmesan cheese (may be omitted for a dairy-free version)

1/2 cup high-quality olive oil

salt and pepper to suit your taste (I ONLY use Redmond Real Salt)

a dash of lemon juice (about 1/2 teaspoon)

So, we all know we can add pesto to pasta dishes and it's an instant culinary elevation. But how else can we incorporate it into our weekly diet?

Here are my top 3 Perfect Pesto Pairings for this summer. 

1. Polyface Brisket with Pesto Aoli
2. Pesto Smothered Polyface Pork Chops
3. Spatchcock Grilled Polyface Chicken with Pesto
4. (Bonus!) Summer veggie salad with Pesto

These are recipes from my own kitchen creations and have proved hits with family of all ages.

1. Brisket with Pesto Aoli: Cook your brisket LOW AND SLOW. I recommend thawing your brisket, seasoning with salt and pepper, and cooking it tightly covered at 200 degrees for 10-14 hours. Next, mix two parts pesto with 1 part mayonnaise (I make my own with avocado oil) and a little extra garlic to make your aoli. This aoli can be served as a drizzle or a dip. We paired ours with homemade oven-baked fries for our side dish.
2. Pesto Smothered Polyface Pork Chops: Thaw your pork chops and coat with pesto in a zip-top bag or bowl with lid. Return to the refrigerator and allow to marinate 2-8 hours. When ready to cook, grill over medium heat about 20 minutes or until a meat thermometer reads 145 degrees. Let stand 5 minutes before cutting or serving. OPTIONAL: Cover and cook in a crockpot on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours.
3. Spatchcock grilled Polyface Chicken with Pesto: Follow this recipe to spatchcock your Polyface chicken. When done, serve with pesto drizzled on top and your favorite summer veggies on the side.
4. BONUS idea - Summer veggies salad with pesto: slice cucumbers, purple onion, and bell pepper. Dice fresh tomatoes. Toss together with salt. Add pesto and just a drizzle of balsamic vinegar for a bright, refreshing side dish.

Not only is pesto delicious, it's seasonally smart and nutritionally beneficial, too! If you try any of these ideas, or have your own favorite uses for pesto, I'd love for you to let me know!

Blessings,

Hannah