Description
This classic Basil Pesto recipe is a vibrant and flavorful Italian sauce made by blending fresh basil leaves with pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil. Perfect for tossing with pasta, drizzling over grilled vegetables, or spreading on sandwiches, this homemade pesto is quick to prepare and packed with fresh, aromatic ingredients.
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves, packed
- 1/3 cup pine nuts
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Gather fresh basil leaves, pine nuts, garlic, grated Parmesan cheese, extra virgin olive oil, salt, black pepper, and lemon juice to ensure all items are ready for blending.
- Chop Basil, Pine Nuts, and Garlic: Add the basil leaves, pine nuts, and garlic to a food processor and pulse several times until the mixture is finely chopped but not pureed.
- Incorporate Olive Oil: With the food processor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil to emulsify and blend the ingredients into a smooth and creamy pesto sauce.
- Add Remaining Ingredients: Add the grated Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and lemon juice to the food processor, then pulse until all ingredients are fully combined and evenly distributed throughout the sauce.
- Adjust Seasoning and Store: Taste the pesto and adjust seasoning if needed. Use immediately or transfer to an airtight container. To preserve the bright green color, press a thin layer of olive oil over the surface before refrigerating.
Notes
- Walnuts or almonds can be substituted for pine nuts if desired.
- To keep pesto bright green during storage, press a thin layer of olive oil over the top surface before refrigerating.
- Use fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best flavor.
- Pesto can be frozen in ice cube trays for convenient single servings.
