Hey Pesto: Three delicious & easy recipes using pesto

This humble kitchen staple is most commonly used as a condiment and while it’ll always remain a centrepiece of any good cheeseboard, pesto is also a no-nonsense way to inject bold flavour into cooking. Food by Chefs pesto has an intense flavour, their fresh basil is sourced locally from the Waikato and is made daily in small batches. With that in mind, our food editor Lauren Matthews whipped up three easy recipes using Food by Chefs pesto range.

SALAD

ISRAELI COUSCOUS SALAD
This substantial salad is incredibly satisfying and simple to make. Cook Israeli couscous as per packet instructions. Once al dente, drain in colander and cool pasta down by running cold water over it. Drain again. Toss Food By Chefs Basil Pesto through the couscous and add chopped cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, fresh basil and crushed almonds.

SCONES

PECORINO AND PESTO SCONES
These bright creations are the result of mixing the vibrant Food By Chefs Basil or Red Pepper and Almond Pesto with a basic scone recipe. Pro tip - if the mixture seems too wet, add more our until you get a dough that is easy to handle and knead. Before placing in the oven, top the scones with a generous amount of shaved pecorino and bake until bubbly and golden. To serve simply add lashings of more pesto.

LASAGNA

EGGPLANT LASAGNA
This take on a classic only uses a handful of ingredients, and yes, you guessed it, the incredible flavour comes from the rich Food By Chefs Red Pepper Pesto. Cut eggplant into three pieces lengthwise and place on a baking paper lined tray. Brush with tomato paste and olive oil and top with buffalo mozzarella and bake until bubbly. Garnish with pesto, scatter with fresh basil leaves and season well.

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Look out for the Food By Chefs pesto range at supermarkets nationwide.
Words & photography by Lauren Matthews.

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