It doesn’t take much to turn your traditional pesto into something a lot spicier. Jalapeño pesto is very simple to make; it’s an excellent way to amp up the flavor of pasta and appetizers.
Is jalapeño not spicy enough for you? We understand. Take a trek up the pepper scale to serrano pepper and use it as a substitute. Opt for two serrano chilies as they tend to be smaller than the jalapeño.
Jalapeño Pesto
Ingredients
- 1 jalapeno pepper
- 2 garlic cloves
- 1/4 cup walnuts
- 2 cups basil leaves
- 3/4 cup Parmesan cheese
- 2/3 cup olive oil
- salt and pepper
Instructions
- In a food processor, finely chop by pulsing the walnuts and garlic.
- Add the jalapeño, the Parmesan cheese, and basil and process the mixture until fully blended.
- Slowly pour in olive oil while processing until the oil and pesto mix is combined.
- To taste, season with salt and pepper.
Notes
Swap out the jalapeño pepper for two serrano peppers (they are typically smaller) to increase the heat.
Nutrition
Calories: 223kcalCarbohydrates: 1gProtein: 4gFat: 23gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 14gCholesterol: 6mgSodium: 442mgPotassium: 50mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 409IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 127mgIron: 1mg
Did you make this?Mention @PepperScale or tag #PepperScale so we can see what you made!
Add some green Thai chiles for heat!