Italian Sauces Recipes - Creamy Walnut and Basil Sauce (Salsa di Noci e Basilico) Recipe

Ingredients  

• 225 g/8 oz/2 cups shelled walnuts

• 1 thick slice white bread, crusts removed

• 60 ml/4 tbsp cold milk

• 1 garlic clove, crushed

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper

• 45 ml/3 tbsp olive oil

• 60 ml/4 tbsp cream cheese

• 30 ml/2 tbsp chopped fresh basil

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Method:

1. Place the walnuts in a bowl of boiling water for 2 minutes, drain, then dry and rub off the skins.

2. Cover the bread with the milk and leave to soak. Grind the walnuts to a powder in a blender.

3. Squeeze the bread as dry as possible with your hands and blend with the walnuts.

4. Add the garlic, salt, pepper and olive oil. Blend in the cream cheese and basil and spoon into a bowl.

5. Use as a dip for fresh vegetables or over pasta.