Description
A fresh and vibrant homemade basil pesto that is simple to make and elevates any dish with its bold flavors.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups Fresh basil leaves (packed) (plus a few extra for garnish)
- 2 cloves Garlic (start small, add more to taste)
- 1/4 cup Pine nuts (or walnuts, pistachios, or almonds) (toasted if desired)
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese (freshly grated for best flavor)
- 1/2 cup Olive oil (use a high-quality one you enjoy)
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
- 1/4 teaspoon Black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Lemon juice (optional, for added brightness)
Instructions
Preparation
- Rinse the basil leaves thoroughly and dry them completely to avoid watery pesto.
- Optional: Toast the nuts in a dry pan for a few minutes until fragrant, then let them cool.
Blending
- In a food processor or blender, combine the basil, garlic, nuts, and Parmesan cheese. Pulse until chopped and fluffy.
- With the machine running, slowly stream in the olive oil until the mixture is creamy with a bit of texture.
Finishing Touches
- Season the pesto with salt and pepper. Adjust flavors by adding more lemon juice, salt, or olive oil as needed.
Notes
Store pesto in an airtight container in the fridge with a layer of olive oil on top to prevent browning. It can last 5 to 7 days. For longer storage, freeze in ice cube trays.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Condiment, Sauce
- Cuisine: Italian