Small Batch Dill Pesto: A Quick & Easy Recipe for Fresh Flavor
Are you looking for a vibrant, flavorful sauce to brighten up your meals? Do you often find yourself with leftover herbs and unsure what to do with them? If so, small batch dill pesto is the answer! This recipe is perfect for using up fresh dill and creating a delicious condiment that’s far more exciting than your average store-bought pesto. Unlike traditional basil pesto, this version highlights the bright, slightly anise-like notes of dill, resulting in a uniquely refreshing flavor profile. The recipe is scaled down to prevent waste and ensures you have a manageable amount of pesto to use within a few days.
## Why Small Batch Dill Pesto?
There are several reasons why making a small batch of dill pesto is a fantastic idea:
* **Reduces Waste:** Herb bunches from the grocery store are often larger than we need for a single recipe. This small batch recipe allows you to utilize those leftover dill sprigs before they wilt and end up in the trash.
* **Maximizes Freshness:** Pesto is best when freshly made. A smaller batch ensures that you’ll consume it while the flavors are at their peak, avoiding oxidation and flavor degradation that can occur with larger batches stored for longer periods.
* **Versatility:** This pesto is incredibly versatile and can be used in numerous ways, from pasta sauces to sandwich spreads to marinades.
* **Quick & Easy:** The recipe is incredibly simple and comes together in minutes with the help of a food processor.
* **Unique Flavor:** Dill pesto offers a delightful twist on traditional pesto, providing a refreshing and herbaceous flavor that complements a wide range of dishes.
## Ingredients for Small Batch Dill Pesto
Here’s what you’ll need to make this flavorful pesto:
* **Fresh Dill:** The star of the show! Use fresh dill for the best flavor. Discard any tough stems, using only the leafy fronds.
* **Garlic:** A clove or two of garlic adds a pungent and savory note.
* **Pine Nuts (or Walnuts):** Pine nuts are traditional in pesto, but walnuts offer a more budget-friendly and readily available alternative. Toasting them enhances their flavor.
* **Parmesan Cheese:** Freshly grated Parmesan cheese provides a salty, umami-rich depth of flavor. Pecorino Romano can also be used for a sharper taste.
* **Lemon Juice:** A squeeze of lemon juice brightens the pesto and prevents oxidation, helping to maintain its vibrant green color.
* **Olive Oil:** Extra virgin olive oil adds richness and helps to emulsify the pesto.
* **Salt & Pepper:** To season and enhance the flavors.
* **Optional: Red Pepper Flakes:** A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a subtle kick of heat.
**Ingredient Quantities:**
* 1 cup packed fresh dill fronds
* 1 clove garlic, minced
* 1/4 cup pine nuts or walnuts, toasted
* 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
* 1 tablespoon lemon juice
* 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil, plus more as needed
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
## Equipment Needed
* **Food Processor:** A food processor is the easiest way to achieve a smooth pesto. A blender can also be used, but you may need to scrape down the sides more frequently.
* **Measuring Cups & Spoons:** For accurate ingredient measurements.
* **Cutting Board & Knife:** For chopping garlic and herbs.
* **Small Skillet or Toaster Oven:** For toasting the nuts.
* **Grater:** For grating the Parmesan cheese.
* **Spatula:** For scraping down the sides of the food processor.
* **Airtight Container:** For storing the pesto.
## Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create your own delicious small batch dill pesto:
**1. Toast the Nuts (Optional but Recommended):**
* If using pine nuts or walnuts, toast them in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes, or until lightly golden and fragrant. Alternatively, toast them in a toaster oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes. Watch them carefully to prevent burning. Toasting the nuts enhances their flavor and adds a pleasant crunch to the pesto.
* Remove the nuts from the heat and let them cool slightly.
**2. Prepare the Ingredients:**
* Wash and thoroughly dry the fresh dill. Remove any tough stems, using only the leafy fronds. A salad spinner is helpful for drying the dill quickly.
* Peel and mince the garlic clove. A garlic press can also be used.
* Grate the Parmesan cheese using a fine grater.
* Measure out the lemon juice and olive oil.
**3. Combine Ingredients in the Food Processor:**
* Place the dill fronds, minced garlic, toasted nuts (if using), and grated Parmesan cheese into the bowl of a food processor.
**4. Pulse to Coarsely Chop:**
* Pulse the food processor several times until the ingredients are coarsely chopped.
**5. Drizzle in Olive Oil and Lemon Juice:**
* With the food processor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil and lemon juice.
**6. Process Until Smooth:**
* Continue to process the mixture until it is smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
**7. Season to Taste:**
* Season the pesto with salt and pepper to taste. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes (if using) for a touch of heat.
* Pulse the food processor briefly to incorporate the seasonings.
* Taste the pesto and adjust the seasonings as needed. You may want to add more lemon juice for brightness, Parmesan cheese for saltiness, or olive oil for a smoother consistency.
**8. Store the Pesto:**
* Transfer the dill pesto to an airtight container. To prevent oxidation and maintain its vibrant green color, drizzle a thin layer of olive oil over the surface of the pesto before sealing the container.
* Store the pesto in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
## Tips for Making the Best Dill Pesto
* **Use Fresh, High-Quality Ingredients:** The flavor of pesto relies heavily on the quality of the ingredients. Use fresh dill, good quality Parmesan cheese, and extra virgin olive oil for the best results.
* **Toast the Nuts:** Toasting the nuts enhances their flavor and adds a pleasant crunch to the pesto. Be careful not to burn them.
* **Don’t Over-Process:** Over-processing the pesto can result in a bitter taste. Pulse the ingredients until they are just combined.
* **Adjust the Consistency:** If the pesto is too thick, add more olive oil, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, add more Parmesan cheese.
* **Taste and Adjust Seasonings:** Taste the pesto and adjust the seasonings as needed. Add more lemon juice for brightness, Parmesan cheese for saltiness, or red pepper flakes for heat.
* **Prevent Oxidation:** To prevent the pesto from oxidizing and turning brown, drizzle a thin layer of olive oil over the surface before storing it in the refrigerator. Pressing plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the pesto can also help.
* **Use a Garlic Press:** Using a garlic press ensures that the garlic is evenly distributed throughout the pesto.
* **Experiment with Flavors:** Feel free to experiment with other herbs and ingredients. Parsley, mint, or chives can be added to complement the dill. You can also try adding a squeeze of lime juice instead of lemon juice, or a pinch of sugar to balance the flavors.
## Variations on Dill Pesto
* **Vegan Dill Pesto:** Substitute the Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast for a cheesy, umami flavor. You may also need to add a pinch of salt to compensate for the lack of saltiness from the cheese.
* **Dill and Lemon Pesto:** Increase the amount of lemon juice for a brighter, more citrusy pesto.
* **Spicy Dill Pesto:** Add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicier pesto.
* **Dill and Walnut Pesto:** Use walnuts instead of pine nuts for a more budget-friendly pesto with a slightly different flavor profile.
* **Dill and Avocado Pesto:** Add a quarter of an avocado to the food processor for a creamier, richer pesto. The avocado will also help to maintain the pesto’s vibrant green color.
* **Dill, Cucumber and Yogurt Pesto:** Add 1/4 cup of chopped cucumber and 2 tablespoons of plain Greek yogurt for a light and refreshing twist. Reduce olive oil by 1 tablespoon.
## Serving Suggestions: How to Use Dill Pesto
Dill pesto is incredibly versatile and can be used in a variety of ways:
* **Pasta Sauce:** Toss the pesto with cooked pasta for a quick and easy meal. Add some cherry tomatoes, grilled chicken, or shrimp for a more complete dish. Add a bit of pasta water to help emulsify the sauce and coat the noodles evenly.
* **Sandwich Spread:** Use the pesto as a spread on sandwiches and wraps. It pairs well with grilled vegetables, sliced meats, and cheeses.
* **Marinade:** Use the pesto as a marinade for chicken, fish, or tofu. Marinate for at least 30 minutes before grilling, baking, or pan-frying.
* **Dip:** Serve the pesto as a dip with crackers, vegetables, or pita bread. Mix it with some Greek yogurt or sour cream for a creamier dip.
* **Pizza Topping:** Spread the pesto on pizza dough before adding your favorite toppings. It adds a burst of fresh flavor to homemade or store-bought pizzas.
* **Salad Dressing:** Whisk the pesto with some olive oil and vinegar for a flavorful salad dressing. It pairs well with green salads, pasta salads, and potato salads.
* **Soup Garnish:** Swirl a spoonful of pesto into soups for added flavor and richness. It’s particularly delicious in creamy vegetable soups.
* **Eggs:** Drizzle over scrambled eggs, omelets, or frittatas for a herby touch.
* **Roasted Vegetables:** Toss roasted vegetables like potatoes, carrots, or broccoli with dill pesto after they come out of the oven.
* **On crackers with smoked salmon:** A classic and flavorful pairing!
## Storage Instructions
* **Refrigerator:** Store the dill pesto in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Drizzle a thin layer of olive oil over the surface of the pesto to prevent oxidation.
* **Freezer:** Dill pesto can also be frozen for longer storage. Transfer the pesto to an ice cube tray and freeze until solid. Then, transfer the pesto cubes to a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen pesto can be stored for up to 2-3 months. Thaw the pesto in the refrigerator before using.
## Nutritional Information (Approximate)
* Calories: Approximately 150-200 per serving (depending on ingredients and serving size)
* Fat: Approximately 15-20 grams per serving
* Protein: Approximately 3-5 grams per serving
* Carbohydrates: Approximately 2-4 grams per serving
*Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.*
## Final Thoughts
Small batch dill pesto is a simple yet incredibly flavorful condiment that can elevate a wide variety of dishes. Its bright, herbaceous notes offer a refreshing twist on traditional pesto, making it a perfect addition to your culinary repertoire. So, the next time you find yourself with leftover dill, don’t let it go to waste! Whip up a batch of this delicious pesto and enjoy its fresh, vibrant flavor in countless ways. Enjoy!