Pesto Dell Uomo Povero Poor Man's Pesto Recipe

Transform leftover bread, herbs, and cheese into a delicious and budget-friendly pesto alternative! This vibrant sauce, inspired by Jauques Pepin's breadcrumb topping and French rouille, is a fantastic last-minute addition to grilled chicken, sausage, white beans, soups, potatoes, green beans, or fresh tomatoes. While it lacks the richness of traditional pesto, its simplicity and versatility make it a kitchen staple. Discover a new way to use stale bread and enjoy a flavorful, inexpensive sauce in minutes!

Prep Time 15 mins
Cook Time 17 mins
Calories 259.5 kcal
Protein 2g
Rating 4.0 (1 Reviews)
Pesto Dell Uomo Povero Poor Man's Pesto 11

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Recipe Author

Chef Forktionary, author of this recipe

Recipe adapted from Food.com. Standardized by Forktionary.

Ingredients for Pesto Dell Uomo Povero Poor Man's Pesto

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How to Make Pesto Dell Uomo Povero Poor Man's Pesto

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Cut 2 cups stale French or Italian bread into 1-inch cubes. Toast until light golden brown, about 8-10 minutes, ensuring they are completely dry.
  3. Roughly chop 1 cup of fresh herbs (basil, parsley, oregano – mix and match!).
  4. Toast 4 cloves garlic (with skins on) in a skillet over medium heat for 7 minutes, until softened.
  5. Remove garlic skins and roughly chop.
  6. Grate 1/2 cup of your favorite hard cheese (Parmesan, Pecorino Romano, etc.).
  7. Combine toasted bread, herbs, garlic, and cheese in a food processor or blender.
  8. With the motor running, slowly drizzle in 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil until desired consistency is reached (about 1/4 - 1/2 cup).
  9. Add 1 teaspoon lemon zest and salt to taste. Pulse to combine.
  10. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day.

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

1 g

Sugar

1g

Fat

18g

Carbs

1g