Try Adding This Italian Staple To Your Deviled Eggs
Deviled eggs are the unofficial king of hors d'oeuvres and popular addition to holidays, picnics, potlucks, luncheons, family gatherings, cocktail hours, and backyard barbecues. In an official press release by spice giant McCormick, its research found that nearly ⅔ of Americans make deviled eggs for Easter every year.
Despite its enduring popularity on the modern snack table, versions of deviled eggs have been traced all the way back to ancient Rome, according to Ancestral Findings. Medieval Europeans also enjoyed the dish that more closely resembled recipes used today, with the egg whites stuffed with ingredients such as various oils, herbs, and cheeses. This enduring recipe proved a favorite, which accounts for the reason why it's stuck around.
As with any classic dish, it's important to make sure your tried-and-true go-to recipe doesn't start getting tired. For a fresh twist on your typical take on deviled eggs, try adding one simple ingredient to your mix. It's an Italian staple that is not just for pesto.
Chop up some basil
Basil is an herb with large, aromatic leaves, via Encyclopedia Britannica. Variations of the herb include sweet, Thai, and Tulsi/Holy, per MasterClass. Each type of basil has its own leaf shape and unique flavor profile. However, most pesto is made from Italian basil and Genovese basil plants. Pesto is a combination of basil, pine nuts, garlic, olive oil, Parmesan, and salt ground into a paste-like spread. Italian pesto's distinct oaky, nutty, and bright taste will not only make for a great spread, it will also add an herbal flair to your deviled eggs.
To incorporate it, add 2 tablespoons of basil pesto into your egg yolk mixture, per Real Simple. However, feel free to adjust the amount to fit your preference. Betty Crocker states that 2 tablespoons of pesto are enough for a dozen hard-boiled eggs. For diehard pesto fans, The New York Times suggests using ⅓ cup pesto per six eggs — with a twist. The news outlet recommends using basil-mint pesto to create an unexpected sweet flavor profile.
When you're ready to make deviled eggs for your next gathering, consider shaking things up a bit by adding Italian pesto to your mix.