basil based sauce crossword – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! If you're tackling the clue 'basil based sauce crossword', you've come to the right place. Below you'll find the most common and accurate solutions, complete with clear explanations to help you complete your puzzle. Let's get that crossword solved!
Solutions for "basil based sauce crossword" by Letter Count
5 Letters
PESTO: A classic Italian sauce originating from Genoa, traditionally made with basil, pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan cheese, Pecorino Sardo cheese, and olive oil.
More About "basil based sauce crossword"
The clue "basil based sauce crossword" almost universally points to the delicious and aromatic Italian sauce known as PESTO. Originating from Genoa in the Liguria region of Italy, pesto is renowned for its vibrant green color and intense flavor. Its name comes from the Italian word "pestare," meaning to crush or pound, referring to the traditional method of preparing the sauce with a mortar and pestle.
The core ingredients of authentic pesto include fresh basil leaves, pine nuts, garlic, Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, Pecorino Sardo cheese, and extra virgin olive oil. This unique combination creates a versatile sauce popular with pasta, spread on sandwiches, or as a topping for various dishes. Its distinct nature and common culinary presence make it a perfect candidate for crossword puzzles, often appearing as a concise, five-letter answer.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider the Obvious: For clues like "basil based sauce," think of the most common and direct culinary terms. PESTO is widely known and fits perfectly.
- Count the Letters: Always double-check the required letter count. This is often the quickest way to narrow down potential answers and confirm your suspicions, especially for common clues like this one.
- Think Culturally: Many food-related clues have a strong cultural origin. Knowing basic Italian, French, or other culinary terms can often provide an edge.
- Cross-Reference: Use intersecting words to validate your answer. If 'PESTO' fits the 'basil based sauce' clue, ensure its letters align with other solved clues in the grid.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is PESTO?
PESTO is a traditional Italian sauce originating from Genoa, Liguria. It's typically made by crushing fresh basil leaves with pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan and Pecorino cheeses, and olive oil, resulting in a vibrant green, aromatic sauce.
Why is "basil based sauce" a common crossword clue?
It's a common clue because PESTO is a widely recognized and unique culinary term that perfectly fits the description. Its distinct name and specific core ingredient (basil) make it an ideal candidate for concise and clear crossword clues, often appearing as a 5-letter solution.
Are there variations of basil-based sauces that could be crossword answers?
While PESTO is by far the most common and almost always the intended answer for "basil based sauce", some crosswords might stretch to include related terms like PISTOU (a French sauce similar to pesto but often without cheese or nuts) depending on the puzzle's difficulty or specific constraints. However, when faced with this clue, PESTO should be your first thought.