Basil Pesto
User Reviews
5
-
Cook Time
15 mins
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Total Time
15 mins
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Servings
8
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Calories
238 kcal
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Course
Others
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Cuisine
gluten-free
Basil Pesto
Description
This Basil Pesto recipe uses fresh basil leaves, Parmesan cheese, and roasted cashew nuts blended with crushed garlic, salt, and black pepper to form a paste. The mixture can be processed to varying smoothness depending on preference. Olive oil is gradually stirred in to create a rich, emulsified sauce.
The nuts add a roasted flavor and texture without overpowering the herbaceous basil and sharp Parmesan. Garlic is crushed before blending to avoid large chunks and ensure even distribution. Seasonings adjust the balance of flavor, making this adaptable to taste.
Basil Pesto serves as a versatile sauce for pasta, sandwiches, or as a condiment. It can be stored in an airtight container and retains quality when refrigerated. Roasting the nuts beforehand enhances their aroma and adds depth. Optional variations include adding more oil for a saucier consistency or blending longer for smoothness.
Ingredients
- 5 cup basil leaves 100g
- 1 cup Parmesan Cheese 100g
- 2/3 cup cashew nuts roasted, 100g
- 2 garlic cloves, crushed
- salt
- black pepper ground
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil 100mL
Instructions
- Put basil, Parmesan, cashew nuts, garlic cloves, salt and pepper into a food processor and whiz into a paste.
- If you like your pesto chunky then whiz for a shorter time than you would if you want it smoother.
- Transfer paste into a container and slowly drizzle in olive oil, mixing all the time till pesto is saturated. I add in about 1/2 cup (100mL) for this amount of pesto but OH happily adds in more.
- Adjust seasonings to taste and then serve.
Notes
- Crush garlic before adding to avoid chunky bits in the pesto.
- Roast cashew nuts in a moderate oven for about 15 minutes to deepen flavor before blending.
- Blend pesto longer for a smoother sauce or less for a chunkier texture, depending on preference.
- Adjust olive oil quantity to achieve desired consistency, adding more for a thinner sauce.
- Substitute roasted garlic for raw to add a milder, sweeter garlic flavor.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 8Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 238 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 238kcal | 12% |
| Carbohydrates | 5g | 2% |
| Protein | 7g | 14% |
| Fat | 22g | 34% |
| Saturated Fat | 5g | 25% |
| Cholesterol | 9mg | 3% |
| Sodium | 203mg | 8% |
| Potassium | 120mg | 3% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 1g | 2% |
| Vitamin A | 889IU | 18% |
| Vitamin C | 3mg | 3% |
| Calcium | 181mg | 18% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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