Pesto Recipe

Italian · Condiment · 10 min total

A classic Italian sauce made from fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan, and olive oil. Perfect for pasta, sandwiches, or as a dip.

Ingredients

• 2 cups fresh basil leaves, packed
• 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 1/3 cup pine nuts
• 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 3 cloves garlic, peeled
• 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste

Instructions

1. Combine basil, pine nuts, garlic, salt, and pepper in a food processor. Pulse several times until coarsely chopped.
2. With the processor running, slowly drizzle in olive oil until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
3. Transfer to a bowl and stir in grated Parmesan cheese. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
4. Use immediately or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Tips

• To prevent browning, press a layer of plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the pesto before refrigerating.
• Pesto can be frozen in ice cube trays for easy portioning.
• Toast pine nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes for extra flavor.

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