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.
- 23 Apr 2025
- Cook time 0 min
- Prep time 10 min
- 6 Servings
- 5 Ingredients
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.
Ingredients:
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 Facts | |
|---|---|
| Serving Size | 22 grams |
| Energy | |
| Calories 50kcal | 2% |
| Protein | |
| Protein 1.79g | 1% |
| Carbohydrates | |
| Carbohydrates 1.40g | 0% |
| Fiber 0.24g | 1% |
| Sugar 0.20g | 0% |
| Fat | |
| Fat 14g | 17% |
| Saturated 2.16g | 7% |
| Cholesterol 2.90mg | - |
| Vitamins | |
| Vitamin A 12ug | 1% |
| Choline 3.69mg | 1% |
| Vitamin B1 0.02mg | 2% |
| Vitamin B2 0.03mg | 2% |
| Vitamin B3 0.24mg | 2% |
| Vitamin B6 0.02mg | 1% |
| Vitamin B9 3.12ug | 1% |
| Vitamin B12 0.04ug | 2% |
| Vitamin C 0.46mg | 1% |
| Vitamin E 0.50mg | 3% |
| Vitamin K 10ug | 8% |
| Minerals | |
| Calcium, Ca 36mg | 3% |
| Copper, Cu 0.08mg | 9% |
| Iron, Fe 0.36mg | 3% |
| Magnesium, Mg 16mg | 4% |
| Phosphorus, P 50mg | 4% |
| Potassium, K 45mg | 1% |
| Selenium, Se 1.30ug | 2% |
| Sodium, Na 60mg | 4% |
| Zinc, Zn 0.49mg | 4% |
| Water | |
| Water 3.12g | - |
| * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs. | |
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