Description
This classic Basil Pesto recipe combines toasted pine nuts, fresh basil leaves, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil into a vibrant and flavorful sauce. Ideal for pasta, sandwiches, or as a dip, this versatile pesto is a fresh and aromatic addition to any meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Basil Pesto Ingredients
- 4 ounces pine nuts
- 4 cups fresh basil leaves
- 3 garlic cloves
- 1 cup coarsely grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1 cup olive oil
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Fresh ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Toast Pine Nuts: Add the pine nuts to a small skillet over medium heat and toast them, stirring frequently, until golden brown and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
- Process Main Ingredients: In the bowl of a food processor, combine half of the toasted pine nuts, 3 cups of fresh basil leaves, 2 garlic cloves, half of the Parmesan cheese, and the lemon zest. Process for about 30 seconds until the ingredients are finely chopped.
- Add Olive Oil Slowly: With the food processor running on low speed, slowly drizzle in 3/4 cup of olive oil. Continue processing until a smooth paste forms. Stop and scrape down the sides of the bowl for even blending.
- Add Remaining Ingredients: Add the remaining toasted pine nuts, basil, garlic, and Parmesan cheese to the food processor bowl. Pulse several times until these ingredients are finely chopped but still retain some texture.
- Combine and Season: Transfer the pesto sauce to a bowl using a rubber spatula. Stir in the remaining 1/4 cup of olive oil. Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper according to your taste preferences.
- Store Properly: Store the finished basil pesto in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep fresh for up to 5 days, ready to enhance your favorite dishes.
Notes
- For a nuttier flavor, pine nuts can be lightly toasted but avoid burning to prevent bitterness.
- Use fresh, fragrant basil for the best flavor impact in your pesto.
- Adjust garlic quantity if you prefer a milder or stronger garlic taste.
- The lemon zest adds brightness; if unavailable, a small squeeze of lemon juice can be substituted.
- Pesto can be frozen in ice cube trays and stored for up to 3 months for convenience.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: basil pesto, pesto sauce, Italian sauce, pine nuts, garlic pesto, homemade pesto, Parmesan cheese sauce, basil sauce
