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Basil 101: Pesto

A classic pesto recipe. Check out this post for more pesto variations.

Prep Time
5 mins
Total Time
5 mins
Servings: 1 cup
Cuisine: Vegetarian

Ingredients

  • ½ cup toasted pine nuts
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 small garlic clove
  • ¼ teaspoon sea salt
  • freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 cups fresh basil leaves
  • ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil plus more for a smoother pesto
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese optional

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. In a food processor, combine the pine nuts, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and several grinds of pepper. Pulse until well chopped.
  2. Add the basil and pulse until combined.
  3. With the food processor running, drizzle in the olive oil and pulse until combined. Add the Parmesan cheese, if using, and pulse to briefly combine. For a smoother pesto, add more olive oil.