Pesto Ice Cubes

By Leslie

Hi Food Lushers!  I hope everyone had a great Labor Day weekend. 

Sometimes I find myself with a huge bunch of herbs leftover from dinner or a party.  Although fresh herbs aren't usually too expensive, I still hate wasting food.  Especially when that food is fresh parsley, basil, rosemary, etc.  So when I had a bunch of leftover basil recently, I decided to throw together some pesto and freeze it in ice cube trays.  I'd love to say this was my idea, but it's nothing new.  I just thought I'd share it with you all, since it was actually a success. 

Pesto is one of those things that is okay out of a jar, but SO much better  fresh.  I don't use pine nuts in this recipe.  They're delicious, but pricey.  Instead I sub in walnuts.  My version is loosley based on the one below from Cooking Light. 

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons coarsely chopped walnuts or pine nuts
• 2 garlic cloves, peeled
• 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 4 cups basil leaves (about 4 ounces)
• 1/2 cup (2 ounces) grated fresh Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Preparation

• Drop nuts and garlic through food chute with food processor on; process until minced. Add oil; pulse 3 times. Add basil, cheese, and salt; process until finely minced, scraping sides of bowl once.

I used my Magic Bullet and it worked out just fine.  Once it was done, I scooped it into a plastic ice cube tray and let them freeze for a few days. Now they are hanging out in my freezer. 

I've used a few of the cubes for various dishes and I have to say, it's pretty nice having them.  The only problem I found was the top layer of the cubes turned an unappealing brown color.  It still tastes great though. 

I did some searching and found that much like guacamole, pesto turns brown because of oxidation.  Apparently, adding a bit of lemon juice can prevent this.  Next time I will! 

Anyone else have any luck freezing sauces in small portions like this? 

Comments

[PinkieBling]

AWESOME idea. Thanks!

[TS]

Don't confuse these cubes with mint cubes made for mojitos.

[Leslie]

Excellent point, TS. Thank you.

[TS]

although we did try a mojito made with basil instead of mint and it is a very nice substitute.