Photo: ricette.giallozafferano.it

Presentation

Condiment prepared with beets, pine nuts, Parmigiano Reggiano PDO, extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, basil and salt used as a condiment for pasta or to serve on croutons

 Ingredients
Makes about 300 g / 10.5 oz pesto
Serves 4

• 200 g (7 oz / about 1¼ cups, cooked and chopped) pre-cooked beets
• 25 g (0.9 oz / about 3 tablespoons) pine nuts
• 25 g (0.9 oz / about ¼ cup) grated Parmigiano Reggiano PDO
• 65 g (2.3 oz / about 4½ tablespoons) extra-virgin olive oil
• Juice of half a lemon (about 15 ml / 1 tablespoon)
• 5 fresh basil leaves
• Fine salt, to taste

Method

Pour the pine nuts into the pan and sauté them continuously over high heat

Once golden, keep them aside.

Cut the beets into chunks

Also pour the beetroot into the mixer together with the pine nuts.

Also add the grated Parmigiano Reggianoe, basil leaves, a pinch of salt and the juice of half a lemon.

Pour in the oil in a trickle, blend until you get a smooth and homogeneous cream.

Used as a condiment

Allergens

Red beets: possible individual intolerance

Basil: possible cross-reaction in case of allergy to parietaria or spices

Lemon: Lemon intolerance or possible cross-reaction in case of grass pollen allergy

Extra virgin olive oil: unusual allergy; intolerance not described

Parmigiano Reggiano PDO: contains milk allergens

Pine nuts: not included in the list of allergens of EU Regulation 1169/2011

Notes

To be prepared and handled under strict hygienic conditions.

The ingredients of the dish bring the following benefits:

Beetroot: has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, favorable to the functioning of the immune system, purifying favorable to the proper functioning of the liver and favorable to hematopoiesis and improvement of cardiovascular circulation

Basil: rich in carotenoids that support the immune system and due to the content of mineral salts, vitamins and antioxidants acts to protect the cardiovascular system and the functioning of the liver

Lemon: Rich in substances with antioxidant action: vitamin C, beta-carotene, cryptoxanthin, lutein and zeaxanthin, which promote the regeneration of liver cells, the functionality of the immune system and which act to protect the cardiovascular system; also suitable for nephropathic patients and useful for the functioning of the liver for the contribution of vitamins, mineral salts and antioxidants

Extra virgin olive oil: source of Vitamin E that protects the immune system from harmful fatty acids

Parmigiano Reggiano PDO: useful for the proper functioning of the liver

Pine nuts: source of Vitamin E that protects the immune system from harmful fatty acids and mineral salts, vitamins and antioxidants that act to protect the cardiovascular system; also suitable for nephropathic patients. Also useful for the functioning of the liver for the supply of vitamins, mineral salts and antioxidants

Safety / Intended use

Also intended for individuals suffering from:

• Anorexia – weight loss
• Mucositis (inflammation and lesions of the oral cavity), with caution in view of the degree of acidity
• Xerostomia (dry mouth)
• Dysphagia (problems chewing and swallowing)