Pesto
This homemade basil pesto combines fresh basil, pine nuts, garlic, olive oil, and Parmesan cheese for a vibrant and aromatic sauce. Quick to prepare, it's perfect for adding flavor to various dishes including pasta and sandwiches.
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.
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.
Pesto FAQ:
Store leftover pesto in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. To extend its shelf life, you can freeze it in ice cube trays and then transfer the frozen cubes to a freezer-safe bag for up to three months.
If you don't have pine nuts, you can substitute them with other nuts like walnuts, cashews, or even sunflower seeds for a nut-free option. Each alternative will give a slightly different flavor and texture.
Homemade pesto can be prepared in about 10-15 minutes. This includes time for washing and prepping the ingredients, toasting the pine nuts (if desired), and blending everything together.
You will know the garlic is well incorporated when the mixture is smooth and there are no large pieces of garlic remaining. A quick taste test can also confirm that the flavor has melded nicely with the other ingredients.
Yes, if your pesto is too thick, you can add more olive oil or a splash of water while blending to achieve your desired consistency. Blend again until well combined.
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.
Nutrition per serving
6 ServingsCalories 50kcal
Protein 1.79g
Carbohydrates 1.40g
Fiber 0.24g
Sugar 0.20g
Fat 14g
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