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Italian Cuisine

Pistou Sauce Condiment

Prep5 min
Total5 min
Yield1 cup
LevelBeginner
 
 
About This Recipe

Pistou is a traditional French sauce from Provence, made with garlic, fresh basil, olive oil, and sometimes Parmesan cheese. This vibrant sauce is often compared to pesto, but without pine nuts, and it can be used in a variety of dishes. It’s perfect for drizzling over pasta, grilled vegetables, or even soups. With its simple […]

Scale This Recipe

Servings

Ingredients

Units
Yield 1 cup
  • 6 cloves garlic, — germ removed
  • Salt and pepper, — to taste
  • 1 cup fresh basil leaves
  • 0.5 cup freshly grated Parmesan, — optional
  • 0.5 cup , — extra virgin
  • Salt and freshly ground pepper, — to taste

Instructions

  1. 1
    Make the Pistou in a food processor. Rinse the basil leaves and pat dry on a clean towel. Place the garlic, salt, pepper, and basil in the bowl of a food processor or blender and process to a paste. Mix in the Parmesan quickly. Slowly add the oil through the funnel of the lid and process again. Taste and rectify the seasoning if desired.
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Tools Used in This Recipe

KitchenAid
Immersion Blender
Victorinox
8" Chef's Knife
All-Clad
Heavy-Bottom Stock Pot
Chef's Notes

A great sauce is built on reduction, not shortcuts — let it come down slowly and taste as you go; that's where the depth of flavor really develops. You'll find techniques like this one across our full course library.

If you'd ever like hands-on guidance for your own kitchen or restaurant, I also offer 1-on-1 coaching through OCS, or you can reach me directly for consulting at 911ChefEric.com.

— Chef Eric

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