Pesto
Elevate your meals with this classic pesto recipe! Made with fresh basil leaves, pine nuts, garlic, and high-quality olive oil, it's finished with grated parmesan cheese for a burst of savory flavor. Perfect for pasta, sandwiches, or as a dip! Quick and easy to prepare, this pesto will be your go-to for a delicious, homemade touch.
Cook time 0 min
Prep time 10 min
Ingredients:
1.50 cups basil leaves2 tbsp pine nuts
2 garlic cloves
1/4 cup olive oil
1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
Pesto is a versatile and flavorful sauce that originates from Italy. Made with fresh basil, pine nuts, garlic, olive oil, and Parmesan cheese, it adds a burst of flavor to pasta, sandwiches, salads, and more. This recipe for homemade basil pesto is simple, fresh, and can be made in minutes, elevating any dish to a new level of deliciousness.
Instructions:
- Wash the fresh basil leaves thoroughly and pat them dry with a clean towel or paper towel.
- Peel the garlic cloves.
- Toasting the pine nuts enhances their flavor. You can toast them in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes, stirring constantly until they are golden and fragrant. Be careful not to burn them. Let them cool slightly before using.
- In a food processor or blender, add the basil leaves, toasted pine nuts, and garlic cloves. Pulse a few times to roughly chop the ingredients.
- While the food processor is running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil. This will help to emulsify the ingredients and create a smooth, thick sauce. You may need to stop and scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is well combined.
- Once the mixture is smooth, add the grated Parmesan cheese. Pulse a few more times until the cheese is fully incorporated. Do a taste test, and if necessary, add a pinch of salt to taste.
- If the pesto is too thick, you can add a little more olive oil or a splash of water to reach your desired consistency. Blend again to combine.
- Your fresh basil pesto is now ready to be used! Serve it over pasta, spread it on sandwiches, use it as a dip, or add it to your favorite recipes.
- If you have any leftovers, store the pesto in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze the pesto in ice cube trays and transfer the frozen cubes to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
Tips:
- Use a food processor or blender to achieve a smooth consistency in your pesto.
- Toast the pine nuts lightly in a dry pan over medium heat before adding them to the mixture to enhance their flavor.
- For a twist, substitute some of the basil with other herbs like parsley or spinach.
- Add the olive oil gradually as you blend the ingredients to achieve the desired texture.
- Adjust the garlic to your taste; if you prefer a milder flavor, use just one clove.
- If your pesto is too thick, you can thin it out with a bit more olive oil or water.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute the Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast.
Enjoy your homemade pesto on your favorite dishes! Whether you're tossing it with pasta, spreading it on a sandwich, or using it as a dip, this vibrant sauce will bring a fresh and delicious flavor to your meals. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week to keep the pesto fresh and ready to use.
Nutrition per serving
6 ServingsCalories 50kcal
Protein 1.79g
Carbohydrates 1.40g
Fiber 0.24g
Sugar 0.20g
Fat 14g
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