Once Upon a Pesto features pesto recipes, food history, international stories, and cultural tales. Jessica Paholsky, the founder, combines cooking and travel to entertain and educate visitors and followers. HOME Taste and travel from home. Pesto as a Process PESTARE (Ital. verb ) to grind or crush Based on its etymology, pesto is a process. From the Italian verb pestare , we get the words pesto and pestle. Mortars and pestles were among the first tools used to make pesto. About Pesto & You RECIPES FOR EVERYONE Once Upon a Pesto is a new way of thinking—pair flavors and textures with creativity and flexibility on a global scale. With this approach, you'll master pesto-making and discover worldly uses for pesto recipes. Customize pesto with your favorite ingredients. Whether you live dairy free or have a nut allergy, you can make and enjoy pesto. This adaptable sauce also allows you to make the most of regional and seasonal produce. There are many pesto-possibilities! BROWSE PESTO RECIPES Pesto & the World TRAVEL THE GLOBE WITH NEW RECIPES The most common pesto, pesto Genovese, comes from Genoa, a town in northwestern Italy. Its main ingredient is basil because the herb grows abundantly there and pesto is one way to put it to use. This solution is universal—take a local common ingredient and apply the pesto process. BEGIN YOUR PESTO JOURNEY Pesto & Me PESTO PRO - JESSICA PAHOLSKY Hi! I'm the creator of Once Upon a Pesto. A storyteller at heart, I was born with a passion for creativity, from painting, drawing, and writing to dancing and playing musical instruments. I believe food, like each form of art, is a global language. My mission with Once Upon a Pesto is to ignite your senses, take you around the world through food history and provide recipes you'll love. How did I become the "Pesto Pro?" After traveling to more than a dozen different countries, experiencing cultures, and expanding my language skills, I was inspired to share that awe and excitement with you. While pesto is most well known for its association with Italy—the country in which I spent most of my time abroad—it's so much more than basil and pine nuts. Through the pesto process, we can travel, learn, cook, and enjoy countless recipes. Featured In To play, press and hold the enter key. To stop, release the enter key. VIEW ALL FEATURES Hover over end tiles to scroll left or right Contact onceuponapesto@gmail.com Reach out to learn more about my work, inquire about collaboration opportunities, and explore the world of pesto with me. Enter Your Name Enter Your Email Enter Your Subject Enter Your Message SEND Thanks for reaching out!

Mushroom & Chia Pesto Recipe INSPIRED BY THE MAYANS SA NF Ancient Mayan people firmly believed chia seeds possessed supernatural powers and used it in religious practice. Also, in Mayan the word chia means strength. It was a tiny seed touted for providing stamina to warriors. Today, a modern Mexican tribe uses chia in a mixed drink, which supposedly enables them to run hundreds of miles. Meanwhile, Mayans believed mushrooms created psychedelic effects. Together, mushrooms and chia seeds are important to Mayan culture and beliefs. SAVE FOR LATER Makes 2 cups Ingredients 1 tablespoon chia seeds 2 cups chopped mixed fresh mushrooms 1 loosely-packed cup fresh basil 1/3 cup fresh mozzarella cheese 1/2 tablespoon honey 1/4 cup olive oil Directions Combine all of the ingredients in a food processor. Blend until the desired consistency forms. If using a mortar and pestle, crush the chia seeds until a fine crumb forms. Add the mushrooms and basil, and mash until smooth. Mix in the remaining ingredients. Mash until the desired consistency forms. Store pesto in an airtight container or jar in the refrigerator for up to one week. Use throughout the week in the next two recipes. Pesto can last in an airtight container in the freezer for up to six months. Uses Tamale Cups The corn husk-wrapped Mayan tamale is a portable serving of starch encasing a protein-based filling. They carry an important role in the cuisine among Mayan people. They are traditionally wrapped in corn husks or banana leaves, and then steamed. Some Mayan tamales featured turkey or iguana. Salisbury Steak American physician Dr. Salisbury invented this beef dish, and as a result it was named Salisbury steak. Traditionally, Salisbury steak is served over mashed potatoes. Highlighting a Mayan staple ingredient whose consistency is comparable to potatoes, mashed plantains are substituted instead.

Grape Pesto Recipe INSPIRED BY GEORGIA SW Georgia is a nation that straddles Europe and Asia. The country boasts over 450 grape varieties among its roughly 500 acres of vineyards. A significant number of Georgia’s grapes are used in winemaking, a process that began there over 8,000 years ago. In addition to accounting for almost 20 percent of the world’s total grape varieties, Georgia also grows endangered vines that are not grown anywhere else. SAVE FOR LATER Makes 1 3/4 cups Ingredients 1/3 cup shelled walnuts 2 cups red seedless grapes, rinsed and pat dry 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary 2 oz goat cheese 2 tablespoons honey 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar Directions Combine all of the ingredients in a food processor. Blend until the desired consistency forms. If using a mortar and pestle, crush the walnuts until a fine crumb forms. Add the grapes and rosemary, and mash until smooth. Mix in the remaining ingredients. Mash until the desired consistency forms. Store pesto in an airtight container or jar in the refrigerator for up to one week. Use throughout the week in the next two recipes. Pesto can last in an airtight container in the freezer for up to six months. Uses Eggplant Rolls Eggplant rolls are traditionally served at Georgian feasts, called supra . They’re made of eggplant slices filled with a blend of garlic and walnuts. The dish is usually served with other vegetable starters. Churchkhela Sweets in Georgia are usually made with sugar, nuts, and fruit. Churchkhela , for example, is a traditional Georgian candy that traces its roots to the Caucasus region. The main ingredients are grape must, nuts, and flour.

Caper Pesto Recipe INSPIRED BY CYPRUS SA Capers are the edible flower buds of a bush that thrives in the hot and dry climate of Mediterranean countries like Cyprus. Their harvesting is laborious. One by one, capers are picked by hand due to their delicate nature. They are then sorted by size, and dried or brined. Capers are a very old commodity. They likely originated in western and central Asia, and there’s mention of them on clay tablets dating back nearly 5,000 years ago. SAVE FOR LATER Makes 1 cup Ingredients 1/4 cup shelled almonds 3 cups baby arugula 3 tablespoons capers, plus 4 teaspoons liquid from jar 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano cheese 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil Directions Combine all of the ingredients in a food processor. Blend until the desired consistency forms. If using a mortar and pestle, crush the almonds until a fine crumb forms. Add the arugula and capers, and mash until smooth. Mix in the remaining ingredients. Mash until the desired consistency forms. Store pesto in an airtight container or jar in the refrigerator for up to one week. Use throughout the week in the next two recipes. Pesto can last in an airtight container in the freezer for up to six months. Uses Feta Dip On the island of Cyprus, halloumi is recognized as the national cheese. But feta could be just as easily found and enjoyed, and it hails from its neighbor and friend Greece. Feta is a versatile cheese used as a garnish or as the main ingredient, much like halloumi. Sheftalia In Cyprus, sheftalia is a barbecued street food. Its name comes from the Turkish word for kebab. One theory claims the dish got its name from a street vendor who is credited for having invented it.

Asparagus Pesto Recipe INSPIRED BY PERU SA Peru ranks as one of the world's largest producers of asparagus. Through irrigation methods, farmers are able to grow the stalk year-round and the plants are productive for 15 to 20 years. Half of their crops are green asparagus; the other half are white. Asparagus is thought to have originated in the Mediterranean area. Today, the majority of the asparagus produced in Peru is sent to Europe, making the history and production of asparagus a complete circle. SAVE FOR LATER Makes 2 cups Ingredients 1/3 cup shelled pistachios 3 cups 1-inch asparagus pieces (about 3/4 lb asparagus stalks) 1/2 cup diced sweet onion 3 tablespoons ricotta cheese juice of 1/2 lemon 1/4 cup olive oil 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper Directions Combine all of the ingredients in a food processor. Blend until the desired consistency forms. If using a mortar and pestle, crush the pistachios until a fine crumb forms. Add the asparagus and onion, and mash until smooth. Mix in the remaining ingredients. Mash until the desired consistency forms. Store pesto in an airtight container or jar in the refrigerator for up to one week. Use throughout the week in the next two recipes. Pesto can last in an airtight container in the freezer for up to six months. Uses Quinoa Soup Quinoa originated in the Andean region in and around Peru. As a protein-rich ancient grain in a nation where meat is sometimes scarce, it's a staple both on plates and in a traditional bowl of soup. Street Corn Choclo is a variety of corn grown in the Andean Mountains of Peru. It's sweet and made of large grains. It's common to find it topped with cheese and sold as street food in Peru.

Spinach Pesto Recipe INSPIRED BY CHINA SA NF When you think of spinach, you don’t often think of Chinese food. Yet, ever since the 7th century when the King of Nepal sent the vegetable to China as a gift, the leafy green has been a staple in Chinese kitchens from broth bowls to stir-fry dishes. It also grows in many varieties in China. One variety is called en choy , which means Chinese spinach. Spinach traces its roots to ancient Persia, which is present-day Iran. There, it was known as aspanakh . SAVE FOR LATER Makes 1 1/2 cups Ingredients 1/4 cup sunflower seeds 2 whole artichoke hearts 3 garlic cloves, peeled 1 8-ounce bag baby spinach 1/2 cup grated Asiago cheese 3 tablespoons olive oil Directions Combine all of the ingredients in a food processor. Blend until the desired consistency forms. If using a mortar and pestle, crush the sunflower seeds until a fine crumb forms. Add the artichoke, garlic, and spinach. Mash until fairly smooth. Mix in the remaining ingredients. Mash until the desired consistency forms. Store pesto in an airtight container or jar in the refrigerator for up to one week. Use throughout the week in the next two recipes. Pesto can last in an airtight container in the freezer for up to six months. Uses Stir-fried Cauliflower Rice Stir fry originated in China. During the Ming Dynasty, which lasted from 1368 to 1644, this technique for cooking meat and vegetables became widely popular among Chinese people. That’s also when China’s population doubled and stir fry then spread throughout the world. Chicken Dumplings Momo , or a type of steamed dumpling, is one of the most common foods in Nepal, the country that gave spinach to China. In both Nepal and China, dumplings are often made at home. They are filled with meat or vegetables, steamed or fried, and served with different dipping sauces.

Endive Pesto Recipe INSPIRED BY BELGIUM SA Endive is a young member of the vegetable family. In 1830, a farmer in Brussels, Belgium created it by accident. He was storing chicory roots in his cellar because his plan was to dry and roast them to make coffee. But he left to serve in war for several months and returned to find something new sprouting in his cellar: endive. The new member of the chicory family hit grocery store shelves 16 years later and now is grown worldwide. The ironic part about the creation of endive is that this young vegetable grew from chicory, one of the earliest plants mentioned in recorded literature. SAVE FOR LATER Makes 1 1/4 cups Ingredients 1/4 cup shelled chopped walnuts 1 1/2 cups chopped endive 1 cup chopped D'Anjou pear (or 1/2 pear) 1/3 cup crumbled Roquefort cheese 1 tablespoon fresh thyme 1 tablespoon olive oil Directions Combine all of the ingredients in a food processor. Blend until the desired consistency forms. If using a mortar and pestle, crush the walnuts until a fine crumb forms. Add the endive and pear, and mash until smooth. Mix in the remaining ingredients. Mash until the desired consistency forms. Store pesto in an airtight container or jar in the refrigerator for up to one week. Use throughout the week in the next two recipes. Pesto can last in an airtight container in the freezer for up to six months. Uses Beet Brownies Throughout Belgium, there are more than 2,000 chocolate shops. What sets Belgian chocolate apart from others is a high cocoa content. Belgium is also a place where sugar beet crops thrive. These root vegetables are used to produce beet sugar, a less processed type of sugar. Brussels Sprouts Gratin Although Brussels sprouts were first grown elsewhere, they were named during the 16th century when these mini-cabbages were being harvested in Brussels, Belgium. A couple centuries later, French settlers brought Brussels sprouts to the United States.

Pumpkin Pesto Recipe INSPIRED BY NATIVE AMERICANS SA Pumpkins are part of the squash family. Well before the pilgrims arrived in North America, pumpkin was a staple in Indian diets, with uses ranging from soups to desserts. And both the flesh and seeds of pumpkin were important parts of their meals. Native Americans introduced pumpkin and other foods to immigrants in the 1500s when they arrived in North America. Pumpkin is said to have originated in North America. Its name comes from a Greek word meaning large melon. SAVE FOR LATER Makes 2 cups Ingredients 1/4 cup shelled pecans 2 cups pumpkin puree (fresh or canned) 1/4 cup (or 2 ounces) cream cheese 2 tablespoons maple syrup 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom Directions Combine all of the ingredients in a food processor. Blend until the desired consistency forms. If using a mortar and pestle, crush the pecans until a fine crumb forms. Add the pumpkin and mash until smooth. Mix in the remaining ingredients. Mash until the desired consistency forms. Store pesto in an airtight container or jar in the refrigerator for up to one week. Use throughout the week in the next two recipes. Pesto can last in an airtight container in the freezer for up to six months. Uses Stuffed Turkey Meatloaf Poyha is a Cherokee tribe recipe similar to meatloaf. It traditionally calls for venison. However, turkey stands out as an important protein source for Native Americans, who started raising turkeys for food about ten centuries ago. Cranberry Nasaump Nasaump , sometimes simply called samp , is a traditional Wampanoag dish made with dried corn, local berries, and nuts. Like porridge, it's boiled until thick. The traditional Wampanoag recipe uses fresh berries and nuts.

Parsley Pesto Recipe INSPIRED BY GREECE SA DF For competitors in Greek athletic games similar to what are now the Olympics, the material goal was not a gold medal. Instead, the winners received a crown of parsley. The modern-day herb was not viewed as food in those days because ancient Greeks held parsley sacred. Ancient Greeks viewed parsley as sacred because according to ancient Greek legend, the plant grew out of the hero Archemorus’s blood when he was killed and eaten by serpents. SAVE FOR LATER Makes 1/2 cup Ingredients 1/4 cup shelled walnuts 2 loosely-packed cups fresh parsley 2 loosely-packed cups fresh dill 2 garlic cloves 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin 1/4 cup olive oil Directions Combine all of the ingredients in a food processor. Blend until the desired consistency forms. If using a mortar and pestle, crush the walnuts until a fine crumb forms. Add the parsley, dill, and garlic, and mash until smooth. Mix in the remaining ingredients. Mash until the desired consistency forms. Store pesto in an airtight container or jar in the refrigerator for up to one week. Use throughout the week in the next two recipes. Pesto can last in an airtight container in the freezer for up to six months. Uses Dolmades Dolmades are one of the most iconic dishes in Greek cuisine. But these rice-stuffed grape leaves were first made in Turkey, where dolma is a word that means something filled. The dish’s other common cousin is stuffed peppers. Hummus Bowl Hummus , which is the word for chickpea in Arabic, traces its roots back to Egypt during the 13th century. Then after years and years of trade between Egypt and Greece, hummus arrived in Greece and is now a modern staple.

Celery Pesto Recipe INSPIRED BY KOREA SA DF Celery has been cultivated since ancient times. The oldest cultivated form of celery is leaf celery, which traces its roots to East Asia. Common uses of celery in the East Asian region of Korea include salads and kimchi , a popular fermented ethnic food. Celery gained popularity in the late 19th century when methods for growing the vegetable improved. At the same time, celery became available at moderate prices. SAVE FOR LATER Makes 1 1/4 cups Ingredients 1/2 cup shelled peanuts 2 cups chopped celery (or 3 stalks) 1/4 cup chopped scallion (or 1 stalk) 2 garlic cloves, peeled 1 hard-boiled egg, peeled 1 tablespoon sesame oil Directions Combine all of the ingredients in a food processor. Blend until the desired consistency forms. If using a mortar and pestle, crush the peanuts until a fine crumb forms. Add the celery, scallion, and garlic, and mash until smooth. Mix in the remaining ingredients. Mash until the desired consistency forms. Store pesto in an airtight container or jar in the refrigerator for up to one week. Use throughout the week in the next two recipes. Pesto can last in an airtight container in the freezer for up to six months. Uses Korean Egg Roll Egg rolls in Korean cuisine are much different from Chinese egg rolls. The Korean egg roll is literally egg cooked in a thin layer, like a crêpe, and then rolled. It’s also similar to an omelet in that it’s flavored with various mix-ins. Millet Burgers In Korea, millet has been an important ancient grain since about 3500 B.C. While rice is Korea’s most common grain, many Korean rice dishes mix in millet. Millet is also eaten as a breakfast porridge.

Pineapple Pesto Recipe INSPIRED BY BRAZIL DF SW Pineapple is said to be indigenous to the area that is today Brazil. Brazilian natives then spread the fruit throughout South and Central America. Pineapple acquired the nickname anana , which means excellent fruit. Nowadays, Brazil is one of the leading producers of pineapple, which is eaten year-round there. When Christopher Columbus traveled to the New World a second time in 1493, he and his crew discovered anana . They ate the pineapple they found, noting its semblance to a pinecone and its texture comparable to an apple. SAVE FOR LATER Makes 1 1/2 cups Ingredients 1/3 cup shelled Brazil nuts 2 cups cut fresh pineapple 1 cup fresh basil 1 teaspoon vanilla 1 teaspoon fresh lime juice 1/8 teaspoon salt Directions Combine all of the ingredients in a food processor. Blend until the desired consistency forms. If using a mortar and pestle, crush the Brazil nuts until a fine crumb forms. Add the pineapple and basil, and mash until smooth. Mix in the remaining ingredients. Mash until the desired consistency forms. Store pesto in an airtight container or jar in the refrigerator for up to one week. Use throughout the week in the next two recipes. Pesto can last in an airtight container in the freezer for up to six months. Uses Citrus Ribs At a Brazilian steakhouse, also known as a churrascaria , rounds and rounds of meat that’s been cooked over a barbecue are served. The dining experience reflects the fireside roasts that gaúchos of southern Brazil had centuries ago. Coffee Flan Pudim , or pudding in English, traditionally calls for milk, eggs, and sugar. This dessert is by far the most popular in Brazil, and the most popular drink in the nation is arguably coffee. Not only is Brazil among the top coffee consumers in the world, the country is also one of the leading global coffee producers.

Lemongrass Pesto Recipe INSPIRED BY MALAYSIA SA DF Lemongrass is a common ingredient in Malaysia. As its name suggests, the grass-like herb has the flavor and aroma of lemon. The tender, white part closest to the stem is often thinly sliced and eaten raw with salads or cooked in simmered dishes. But along with ginger, lemongrass has also been considered medicinal in Asian cultures. In the world of medicine, lemongrass is used to treat digestive issues, high blood pressure, the common cold, aches, and exhaustion. Please consult your physician before using lemongrass in these ways. SAVE FOR LATER Makes 1 1/4 cups Ingredients 1/4 cup shelled unsalted peanuts 2 small peaches, pitted and sliced 1 tablespoon chopped ginger 1 tablespoon chopped lemongrass 2 tablespoons olive oil Directions Combine all of the ingredients in a food processor. Blend until the desired consistency forms. If using a mortar and pestle, crush the peanuts until a fine crumb forms. Add the peaches and ginger, and mash until smooth. Mix in the lemongrass and olive oil. Mash until the desired consistency forms. Store pesto in an airtight container or jar in the refrigerator for up to one week. Use throughout the week in the next two recipes. Pesto can last in an airtight container in the freezer for up to six months. Uses Kuih Puffs Kuih , or kuih-muih in plural, is bite-sized food in Malaysia. The word, which is pronounced kway, encompasses cakes, confections, and more. Most kuih-muih are sweet and eaten as dessert, but some are savory. Shrimp Satay Satay , or sate in Malay, is most akin to the kebab. It’s made with meat threaded onto a wooden skewer that’s then grilled over a fire and served with a peanut sauce in Southeast Asian countries like Malaysia. Both Malaysia and Thailand claim this dish as their own.