Ep 13. Power of Pesto

In season 3 episode 13 of Everyday Italian, host Giada De Laurentiis explores the power of pesto, a classic Italian sauce made of basil, pine nuts, garlic, and Parmesan cheese. In this episode, Giada shows viewers how to make pesto from scratch and uses it in a variety of dishes.

Giada begins by demonstrating the traditional method of making pesto using a mortar and pestle, grinding together fresh basil, pine nuts, garlic, and Parmesan cheese. She emphasizes the importance of using high-quality ingredients and taking the time to chop everything finely to achieve the best texture and flavor.

With her freshly made pesto in hand, Giada uses it as a flavorful topping for grilled shrimp skewers, drizzling it over the seafood to add brightness and depth to the dish. She also shows how pesto can be used as a marinade for grilled meats, such as chicken or steak, infusing the protein with rich herbaceous flavor.

Next, Giada uses pesto as a base for a creamy pasta sauce, combining it with light cream and Parmesan cheese to create a luscious, silky sauce that coats the noodles. She tops the dish with roasted cherry tomatoes and fresh basil, creating a colorful and vibrant plate that is sure to impress.

Moving on to dessert, Giada shows how pesto can be used in unexpected ways by making a basil and pine nut tart. She layers a buttery crust with a mixture of eggs, sugar, and cream, then tops it with dollops of pesto and crunchy pine nuts. The result is a unique and delicious dessert that showcases the versatility of pesto.

Throughout the episode, Giada shares tips for growing and storing fresh herbs, as well as ways to use leftover pesto in various dishes. She also talks about the history of pesto and its significance in Italian cuisine, highlighting the different regional variations of the sauce.

Overall, season 3 episode 13 of Everyday Italian is a mouthwatering exploration of the power of pesto. Giada De Laurentiis demonstrates how this simple but flavorful sauce can be used in a variety of dishes, from appetizers to desserts, and showcases the importance of using high-quality ingredients and traditional techniques when making pesto.