I’ve always enjoyed experimenting in the kitchen, especially when I have fresh ingredients growing at home. I usually make traditional pesto, but with my Thai basil growing so well and my love for Thai food, I wanted to try something different.
I started thinking about how I could use the basil with some of the flavours I enjoy in Thai cooking. I decided to add lemongrass and chili peppers for a bit of fragrance and heat. The result was a Thai-inspired pesto with a completely different flavour from the usual basil pesto. I did a little searching online to see what other people had tried, and I found a few Thai pesto recipes that gave me some ideas. From there, I started playing around with my own version.
Thai basil has a slightly peppery, anise-like flavour that works well with the lemongrass and chili. Since my basil plants were growing so well, it was a good excuse to pick a handful of leaves and see what I could come up with.
Making this pesto was pretty easy. I picked some fresh Thai basil from my garden, added lemongrass and a few red chili peppers, then blended everything in my Thermomix. My husband volunteered to be the taste tester and liked the little bit of heat from the chilies. I’m still playing around with the flavours, though. It’s not quite where I want it to be yet, so I’ll probably make a few changes next time. I like how the Thai basil and lemongrass come through, and the chili adds a bit of heat. Truly Thai-riffic! I’ll keep experimenting until I get the balance just right.
Ingredients to Use
- Thai Basil: Use fresh Thai basil leaves from garden or supermarket. Italian basil can serve as an alternative, but it lacks the distinctive zest of Thai basil.
- Garlic Cloves: Garlic provides a bold and aromatic flavour.
- Pine nuts: Creates a rich, creamy and nutty pesto!
- Olive Oil: I still like to use olive oil, but if you are feeling really adventurous, you can use sesame oil.
- Lemongrass: Lemongrass adds a bright and zesty citrus flavour to the pesto. Lemongrass can balance out sweetness and spice in the pesto.
- Spinach: I like to add a bit of spinach just for a nutritional boost.
- Red Chilli Peppers: Red chili peppers add spiciness to the pesto. The heat from the chili peppers adds a layer of depth, making the overall taste more intriguing and satisfying. If you want something milder, use green chilli peppers.
- Parmesan Reggiano: The cheese provides a creamy texture and enhances the overall umami, making the pesto more savoury and delightful.
- Honey: Serving as a natural sweetener, it’s the perfect way to balance out the spice.
- Fish sauce or Soy Sauce: Fish sauce is a key ingredient in many Thai dishes. Its inclusion in Thai basil pesto can contribute to an authentic Thai taste and adds a deep umami flavour to the pesto.
- Lime: It can provide a bright and tangy acidity, balancing the richness of other ingredients. It can also cut through the oiliness of nuts or cheese, creating a refreshing contrast and enhancing the overall taste.
Serving Suggestions
Wondering how to enjoy this Thai basil pesto wonder? Here are some ideas:
- Dip for Appetizers: Serve it as a dipping sauce alongside crispy spring rolls or fresh vegetable sticks for a tasty appetizer.
- Toss with Pasta: Toss it with some pasta for a quick weeknight dinner,
- Pizza Sauce: Spread it on pizza dough as a flavourful base, add your favourite toppings, and bake for a unique Thai-inspired pizza.
- Stir-Fry Enhancer: Stir a spoonful of Thai basil pesto into your favourite stir-fry for an instant burst of vibrant flavours.
- Salad Dressing: Mix it with a bit of olive oil and vinegar to create a zesty salad dressing; it pairs wonderfully with fresh greens and grilled vegetables.
- Marinade Meat: It is great as a marinade for grilled delights like chicken or pork.
- Caprese Salad: Create a Thai-inspired Caprese salad by layering sliced tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and a dollop of Thai basil pesto. Garnish with basil leaves for a visually appealing and delicious dish.
**Keep an eye out for the recipe in the future, as I’m still in the process of working on it.**