How To Make Pesto With Artificial Intelligence

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Many years ago I learned how to make pesto and I have to say it is so easy and satisfying I have been doing it ever since. Then today, I was trying to come up with a series of challenges for AI and decided to enter ‘A recipe for pesto’ into ChatGPT to see what it came up with. You can see the result that the app gave me below. I have to say, it is a good recipe which only differs from my way of doing it in one essential part for the best results.

You will see below that ChatGPT suggests that you use a food processor or blender for chopping and mixing the ingredients. However, I believe that it is much better to use a sharp knife and chopping board for the cutting and a wooden mortar and pestle for the mixing.

Another tip I can pass on to you, which I got from a professional chef, is to tear the basil leaves into small pieces with your fingers as this releases more of the flavour than a knife or mechanised cutter does.

‘Here's a simple and delicious recipe for pasta with pesto sauce:

Ingredients:

For the Pesto:

• 2 cups fresh basil leaves, packed

• 1/2 cup pine nuts (or walnuts as an alternative)

• 2-3 cloves garlic, peeled

• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (or Pecorino Romano for a sharper flavour)

• 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil

• Juice of 1/2 a lemon (optional, for extra freshness)

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

For the Pasta:

• 400g (14 oz) pasta (spaghetti, fettuccine, or any pasta of your choice)

• Salt, for the pasta water

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Pesto:

   • In a food processor or blender, combine the basil leaves, pine nuts (or walnuts), garlic, and Parmesan cheese. Pulse a few times until everything is roughly chopped.

   • With the food processor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the mixture comes together into a smooth, creamy paste.

   • Add lemon juice if desired, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Give it one final pulse to mix everything together. Set the pesto aside.

2. Cook the Pasta:

   • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package directions, typically 8-10 minutes, until al dente.

   • Before draining, reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water (you may need it to thin the pesto sauce later).

3. Combine the Pasta and Pesto:

   • Drain the pasta and return it to the pot.

   • Add the pesto sauce to the pasta and toss everything together, adding a little of the reserved pasta water as needed to help the sauce coat the pasta evenly. You can also warm the pesto slightly in a pan over low heat before tossing it with the pasta if desired.

4. Serve:

   • Plate the pasta, and if desired, sprinkle with extra grated Parmesan cheese and a few whole basil leaves for garnish. Optionally, add a drizzle of olive oil on top for extra richness.

Enjoy your fresh and flavorful pasta with pesto sauce! It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion.’