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Discover the magic of homemade pesto with this easy and flavorful recipe. Transform simple ingredients into a vibrant and delicious sauce.
Type of Cuisine:
Mediterranean
Prep Time: 10 Minutes.
Cook Time: 0 Minutes
How Many Servings?
4-6 Servings
Ingredients:
1X
2X
3X
Adjust Servings
| ⅓ cup pine nuts | |
| 2 cups basil leaves (cleaned and dry) | |
| 3 garlic cloves (roughly chopped) | |
| ½ cup extra virgin olive oil | |
| ½ cup parmesan cheese | |
| ½ teaspoon salt | |
| ½ teaspoon black pepper |
Preparation
1
Process Basil, Garlic, and Pine Nuts: Add the cleaned basil leaves, garlic, and pine nuts to a food processor and process for about 2 minutes.
2
Add Cheese and Seasoning: Scrape down the sides, then add the Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper.
3
Incorporate Olive Oil: With the food processor running, slowly add the olive oil from the top until fully incorporated and the pesto sauce is created.
Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
Store: Transfer the pesto to a glass jar and store it in the refrigerator
Recipe Tips & Suggestions
Quality Ingredients:
Since pesto has such a simple composition, the quality of your ingredients can make a big difference. Use the freshest basil and best quality Parmigiano Reggiano and olive oil you can find.
Basil Handling:
Basil leaves are very delicate and can bruise easily, which can lead to oxidation and a loss of flavor. Handle them gently and try to use them as soon as possible after they are picked.
Toasting Pine Nuts:
For added flavor, consider toasting the pine nuts before adding them to your pesto. Just be sure to let them cool before processing.
Freezing Pesto:
If you have leftover pesto, remember it freezes well. Consider freezing it in ice cube trays for easy-to-use portions. Just pop out a cube whenever you need a hit of fresh pesto flavor.
Pesto Uses:
While pesto is traditionally used with pasta, it's also great in sandwiches, mixed into salads, spread on grilled meat, or even used as a pizza topping. Encourage your readers to get creative
Allergy Note:
Pine nuts can be omitted or replaced with seeds like sunflower or pumpkin for those with nut allergies.
Vegan/Dairy-Free Variation:
For a vegan or dairy-free version, omit the cheese or replace it with a vegan cheese or nutritional yeast.
Seasoning Tip:
The cheese and nuts are salty, so be sure to taste your pesto before adding any additional salt.