Basil pesto
Basil pesto is a classic Italian sauce made with fresh basil, toasted pine nuts, garlic, olive oil, and parmesan cheese. This simple blend creates a rich and versatile condiment, perfect for enhancing pastas, sandwiches, and more.
Cook time 0 min
Prep time 15 min
Ingredients:
1 cup basil leaves1/3 cup pine nuts
2 garlic cloves
1/4 cup olive oil
1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
Basil pesto is a classic Italian sauce that is both versatile and easy to make. It combines fresh basil leaves, pine nuts, garlic, olive oil, and parmesan cheese to create a rich, flavorful condiment that can be used in a variety of dishes, from pastas to sandwiches. This recipe is perfect for adding a burst of herbal and cheesy goodness to your meals.
Instructions:
- Wash and dry the basil leaves thoroughly to remove any dirt or impurities.
- Peel the garlic cloves.
- Optional but recommended for added flavor: Heat a small skillet over medium-low heat.
- Add the pine nuts and toast them lightly, stirring frequently, until they are golden brown. This should take about 2-3 minutes. Be careful not to burn them.
- Once toasted, transfer the pine nuts to a plate to cool.
- In a food processor or blender, add the basil leaves, toasted pine nuts, and garlic cloves.
- Pulse the mixture several times until the ingredients are coarsely chopped.
- Add the grated Parmesan cheese to the mixture.
- With the food processor or blender running on low speed, slowly pour in the olive oil.
- Blend until the mixture is smooth and well combined. You may need to stop and scrape down the sides with a spatula to ensure everything is evenly mixed.
- If the pesto is too thick, you can add a little more olive oil until you reach the desired consistency.
- Taste the pesto and add salt, if needed, according to your preference.
- Transfer the pesto to a clean, airtight container.
- Drizzle a thin layer of olive oil over the top of the pesto to help preserve its color and freshness.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to one week, or freeze for up to three months.
With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a delicious and versatile basil pesto that will enhance the flavor of a wide variety of dishes. Follow these tips to make the perfect pesto every time, and enjoy the fresh, aromatic taste it brings to your meals.
Basil pesto FAQ:
Homemade basil pesto can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one week. For longer storage, it can be frozen for up to three months.
Yes, you can substitute pine nuts with other nuts such as walnuts, pecans, or almonds. Each will impart a slightly different flavor, but they will still work well in the pesto.
If you don’t have Parmesan cheese, you can use Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option. However, the flavor profile will vary.
The pesto is done blending when it is smooth and well combined, with no large chunks. You can scrape down the sides and blend further if needed for a finer texture.
If your pesto is too thick, simply add a little more olive oil until you reach your desired consistency. Blend again to incorporate the oil.
Tips:
- Use fresh basil leaves for the best flavor and vibrant green color.
- Toast the pine nuts lightly before using them to deepen their flavor.
- Grate the parmesan cheese finely to ensure it blends well with the other ingredients.
- Add the olive oil in a slow stream while blending to get a smoother consistency.
- Adjust the garlic amount according to your taste preference if you like a stronger or milder garlic flavor.
- For a nut-free variation, you can substitute pine nuts with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds.
- Store any leftover pesto in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week, and add a thin layer of olive oil on top to maintain freshness.
Nutrition per serving
10 ServingsCalories 44kcal
Protein 1.38g
Carbohydrates 1.13g
Fiber 0.22g
Sugar 0.20g
Fat 10g
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