Profumo di basilico

The scent of basil reminds me of a great many things. It's heady aroma is a comfort whether it is wafting out of a slow simmering sauce, released from the torn leaves in salads and small stems tucked into jars for the stewed tomatoes, or in this classic, pesto.

Now I won't get political here, it isn't my place. This isn't a southern dish nor is this version autentico by a long shot. If you are a devout purist when it comes to your basil sauce, don your green cape and have a look here.

Nevertheless, I've got basil aplenty and the means to make a fragrant coating for some hearty Rustichella d'Abruzzo linguine. By 'means', I'm referring to a mortar and pestle.

In these days of flash kitchen gadgetry, I love the fact that I can still use this age old technique to pound, grind and pulverise away the days frustrations and get something tasty as a result. I also prefer this method because, even though it is a bit violent, it seems a more gentler process somehow. Using a mortar and pestle (the latter, preferably wooden) doesn't over work, or worse, liquefy the pesto. Again, perhaps not authentic, sometimes a bit of texture isn't a bad thing.

Before the frost claims the last basil of summer, I'm going to make hay (well, pesto) while the sun shines. Or at least as long as there are still tender leaves remaining from the second planting of basil (most of it ended up in sauce). I'll also be bringing in a pot for the winter as it isn't a favourite dried or from the freezer and although I'm not an advocate (I have frozen pesto, omitting the garlic only to add it fresh at the time of preparation for serving), I wouldn't freeze it but for short periods of time. This sauce is simply at it's peak when the ingredients are fresh.

I make small batches because that is what fits in the mortar. About 2 good handfuls of basil, using the smallish leaves.  All the leaves require at this point is a gentle rinse and to be left drying on a tea towel.

Pesto is also about garlic, but not too much, so a medium clove goes in the mortar first along with a pinch of sea salt (remember we'll be adding some lovely cheese in awhile so go easy). A couple of turns with the pestle and the garlic is a wet paste in no time. The basil goes in next and is worked until it is almost creamy in consistency. Then the pine nuts. Lightly toasted in a 180C oven and cooled first, you can crush them slightly (but make sure none are left whole) or grind them as fine as you like.  Again, I prefer a little texture rather than a pinenut paste. For a measure, I scoop some out of the bulk container by hand. What fits in my gargantuan mitt might be a bit more than yours, I'll guestimate about 50 grams.

The final ingredients, in your mortar (if it fits) or in a bowl, cheese (already finely grated), a nice olive oil (about 60mL of your best) and a little freshly squeezed lemon juice can be incorporated with some gentle stirring. This passive treatment prevents it from being overheated in a blender and from the basil becoming a puréed soup. The beauty is that it can be made coarse or creamy to anyone's preference.

A quick word about the cheese. I grind all Parmigiano Reggiano and pecorino as I need them. It is better this way. I'll spare you my tirade about the benefits of fresh ground cheese (as opposed to the nastiness of pre-packaged, industrial ready-ground sawdust reeking of baby vomit), however, this is no place to use inferior cheese. Get an authentic Parmigiano and a good Pecorino, preferably Sardo (I love this pungent, tangy cheese and the bite it provides) but Pecorino Romano (although quite similar, I find it to be less complex) will do as well. I use 4 tablespoons or so, about a 50% mix of each which is easily adjusted to taste. Use more Parmigiano if you find the pecorino too salty.

I've picked a sturdy long pasta but something with a few grooves to pick up this wonderfully flavoured mixture would be ideal.  Trofie is traditional, but ridged penne, rigatoni, gemelli or other curly pasta will work. This makes a generous amount to dress a 500 gram package of dried pasta. Simply toss pesto with hot pasta, adjust the texture with a little starchy cooking water if needed and serve.

Mangia!