Recipe, Aka Salsa di Noci: A Nutty, Earthy Dip From Liguria
10 mins
Cooking Time
Easy
Difficulty
8
Ingredients
Veg
Diet
Walnut pesto sauce recipe is a creamy walnut version that is packed with comforting Italian flavours, nutty and rich. Walnut sauce, also known as Salsa di Noci, is one of the traditional staples of Italian home cooking and has been enjoyed for generations for its simple ingredients and incredibly satisfying taste. Despite not being as popular as basil pesto, this sauce has a smooth and velvety texture that feels rich but not heavy. It consists of walnuts, parmesan cheese, garlic, olive oil and soft bread, making a delicious creamy sauce which will go wonderfully with pasta, gnocchi or even toasted crostini. It might look simple, but each spoonful is packed with nutty and cheesy flavour.
This walnut pesto does not feature any basil at all, and instead relies on the whole milk to achieve its signature smoothness. The end result is a sauce that's extremely looks plain, but has a lot of flavour. It is quick to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you want a quick comforting homemade meal. Dried marjoram adds a lovely touch, balancing out the richness of the walnuts and cheese. Simply toss this pesto sauce with warm pasta and a bit of pasta water to make a flavourful pasta dish that feels so comforting.
Break the bread into small pieces and set aside in a small bowl. Pour enough whole milk over the bread so it is soaked through. Wait until it is mushy and soft which may take about 1 or 2 minutes. After softening, gently squeeze out the excess milk. Set aside the leftover milk as it may be of use when blending.
Description - Step 2
Step 2: Prepare The Ingredients
Place soaked bread pulp into a blender or food processor. Next, throw in the walnuts, grated cheese, garlic clove, olive oil, dried marjoram and a pinch of salt.
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Step 3: Blend The Walnut Pesto
Add the ingredients and begin to blend slowly. The initial mixture may look dry and thick, but this is normal. Take breaks to scrape blender sides with spatula. Whilst blending, add the reserved milk gradually, until the pesto is creamy and smooth.
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Step 4: Adjust Texture And Seasoning
Taste the pesto and season with salt if needed. Add a little more milk or warm water to the pasta if a thinner consistency is preferred. The taste ought to be nutty, lightly garlicky and well-rounded with the cheesy richness.
Description - Step 5
Step 5: Serve Or Store
Serve the walnut pesto right away or store in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
Walnut pesto sauce recipe is made with walnuts, cheese, garlic, soaked bread, and simple seasonings. It results in a creamy sauce perfect for pasta or spreads.
Of course! Walnut pesto works wonderfully as a pasta sauce. Thin it with a little hot pasta water before tossing it with freshly cooked pasta.
This walnut sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Walnut pesto is traditionally served with pastas such as pansotti, trofie, or corzetti because the creamy sauce coats them beautifully.