Trenette Al Pesto

Welcome to my food blog, where I'm always excited to share my love for Italian cuisine. Today, I'm thrilled to talk about one of my favorite pasta dishes - Trenette al Pesto.

This simple yet flavorful dish is a classic of Ligurian cuisine and a perfect representation of Italian cooking - quality ingredients and simple preparations that let the flavors speak for themselves. The origins of Trenette al Pesto date back to the 19th century in Liguria, a region in northern Italy known for its stunning coastline, fresh seafood, and aromatic herbs.

The sauce is made with Genovese basil, a variety of basil that's only found in the Liguria region, as well as garlic, pine nuts, and olive oil. These ingredients were readily available in the area, and locals would often gather them from their gardens or the nearby hills.

The pasta used in Trenette al Pesto is also a local specialty. Trenette is a long, thin pasta that's similar to linguine or spaghetti, but with a slightly flatter shape. It's perfect for holding onto the vibrant green pesto sauce and bringing out the best flavors of the dish.

Despite its simplicity, Trenette al Pesto has become a beloved Italian dish and a symbol of Ligurian cuisine. It's often served as a primo piatto (first course) or as a main dish, and it's enjoyed throughout Italy and beyond. In fact, it's become so popular that it even has its own festival - the "Sagra del Pesto" - which takes place every year in Genoa, the capital city of Liguria.

Now, onto the star of the show - the pesto sauce. This sauce is made with fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, olive oil, and parmesan cheese, all blended together into a creamy and aromatic sauce. The combination of fresh and savory flavors is truly magical, and it's the perfect complement to the al dente trenette pasta.

The traditional method of making pesto sauce involves grinding the ingredients together in a marble mortar with a wooden pestle. This is said to release the full flavor of the basil and create a creamy texture. However, nowadays most people use a blender or food processor to make the sauce.

But wait, there's more! Trenette al Pesto is often served with boiled potatoes and green beans, creating a balanced and satisfying meal. The potatoes and green beans add a lovely texture and flavor that perfectly complement the pesto sauce.

So, how do you make Trenette al Pesto at home? Here's a simple recipe to get you started:

Ingredients:

• 1 lb trenette pasta
• 2 cups fresh basil leaves
• 3 garlic cloves
• 1/2 cup pine nuts
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Boiled potatoes and green beans (optional)

Instructions:

1. Cook the trenette pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente, then drain.
2. While the pasta is cooking, prepare the pesto sauce. In a food processor or blender, combine the basil, garlic, pine nuts, and parmesan cheese. Pulse until coarsely chopped.
3. With the food processor or blender running, slowly pour in the olive oil until the pesto is smooth and creamy.
4. Season the pesto with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Toss the cooked trenette pasta with the pesto sauce until well coated.
6. Serve with boiled potatoes and green beans (optional).

Not only is Trenette al Pesto delicious, it's also steeped in history and tradition.