I’ll begin at the beginning. When I first had it as a primi piatti, the “pesto” consisted of artichokes, garlic, olive oil, pine nuts, and salt, all ground to a paste (that’s where the “pesto” comes in), but with not a leaf of basil in sight (hence the “bianco” or white). The flavor is garlicky like a pesto but with a more sublime, wonderful flavor from the artichokes. I include some soy milk to give it a bit of creaminess and use a combination of pine nuts and cashews (instead of all pine nuts). My original version uses cooked frozen artichoke hearts, but I have since made it with canned artichokes and it tasted fine, so use whatever kind you have on hand. By the way, if you want more of an artichoke flavor to come through, you can add a few extra when you’re making the pesto.
I always sprinkle the finished dish with fresh parsley to add color, but you don’t need to stop there. As you can see in the photo, this time I’ve also added pitted kalamata olives and chopped roasted red bell pepper. Other good additions are green peas, pieces of roasted asparagus, or even some chopped artichoke hearts. For a more rustic flavor, you can use walnuts in the pesto instead of cashews and pine nuts. And of course, adding extra garlic is always a good idea.
This is one of those fun recipes that you can play around with to get just the way you like it and so far I’ve liked it every way I’ve tried it. This recipe (and a few others) are featured on Amazon linked from the 1,000 Vegan Recipes page. If you try it, let me know what you think.
{ 7 comments… add one }
Oh, yes, please! This is one of those things that I didn't know what a necessity in my life until I saw it. Bookmarked!
I love to be Vegan.
Well said, Tom – me too!!!
Stellatex: Yes, this is definitely one of life's necessities — no question.
General Tom and Anne: I love being vegan, too!!!
wow! this “pesto bianco” is typical of Sicily (Sicilia)! 🙂
but, do yuo like the “pesto genovese”? the vegan version, without Parmigiano Reggiano, it's very very very good!
by! nicole
Yes, Nicole, I like vegan pesto genovese, too. I grow my own basil to make it. I've never met a vegan pesto I don't like!
Hi Robin,
I just got a crockpot because all the people I know down here in New Mexico who make great beans use one. Now my beans taste great, too.
Since I had the crockpot, I got a copy of your “Vegetarian Slow Cooker” and it is fantastic! I made the stuffed wheat meat with mushroom gravy! Wow! Looking forward to making the Beans Bourgognon, and the seitan with wine and mushroom sauce, as soon as there's room in the 'fridge! And the cassoulet. And some of the soups.
What a great cookbook! Vegan, low fat (which I have been doing for years), and good enough to serve to company (totally new for me, my wife calls my cooking “Steve food” and won't let me serve it to guests.)
Thanks!
Steve in Albuquerque