Description
This Basil Pesto recipe is a classic and flavorful sauce that can elevate any dish. Made with fresh basil, pine nuts, garlic, and parmesan cheese, this homemade pesto is perfect for pasta, sandwiches, or as a dip.
Ingredients
Scale
Pesto:
- 1/2 cup toasted pine nuts
- Juice from 1/2 lemon (1 1/2 Tablespoons)
- 2 garlic cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon Kosher salt
- Black pepper to taste
- 1/3 cup quality extra-virgin olive oil (plus more as needed)
- 1/3 cup finely grated parmesan cheese
- 2 cups basil leaves
Instructions
- Add the Ingredients: Combine pine nuts, lemon juice, garlic, salt, pepper, olive oil, and parmesan cheese in a food processor. Blend until smooth with some chunks left, about 1 minute.
- Add Basil: Add fresh basil and blend again for 1-2 minutes. Adjust salt and pepper to taste. Add more olive oil for a thinner consistency if desired.
- Store: Place leftover pesto in a jar, top with olive oil to prevent browning. Pesto can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 weeks or frozen in ice cube trays for individual servings.
Notes
- Adjust the consistency by adding more olive oil for a smoother pesto.
- Experiment with different nuts like walnuts or almonds for a unique flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
- Calories: 94
- Sugar: 0.2g
- Sodium: 82mg
- Fat: 9.4g
- Saturated Fat: 1.6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7.8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1.3g
- Fiber: 0.6g
- Protein: 1.4g
- Cholesterol: 2mg
Keywords: Basil Pesto, Pesto Recipe, Homemade Pesto
