Basil Pesto

Name: Basil Pesto
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups fresh basil leaves; 3 garlic cloves; 1/3 cup pine nuts; ½ cup Parmesan Cheese; 2/3 cup extra virgin olive oil; Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

User Reviews

5.0

9 reviews

Excellent

Prep Time
10 mins
Total Time
10 mins
Servings
4 servings
Calories
454 kcal
Course
Condiments
Cuisine
Italian-American Fussion

Basil Pesto

Iris Warren

Report

Homemade Basil Pesto is a summertime treat! This simple 6-ingredient condiment, made with tons of fresh basil, is perfect for pastas, pizzas and more!

Share:

I Made This!

Be the first!

Print

4 people printed this

Save this

Be the first!

Ingredients

Servings

2 cups fresh basil leaves packed
3 garlic cloves
1/3 cup pine nuts toasted
½ cup Parmesan Cheese
2/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Add to Shopping List

Instructions

To toast the pine nuts, place them on a baking sheet, and bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes, or until the exterior of the nuts are slightly browned. Keep an eye on them, as they will burn very easily if you do not. Let them cool before you mix your pesto or they will wilt the basil and melt the cheese.
If you haven't yet, prep the rest of the ingredients. This means pluck the basil leaves from their stems, chop the garlic and shred the cheese.
Add the basil, garlic, toasted pine nuts and the parmesan cheese to your food processor.
Pour in about half of the olive oil. Pulse until the ingredients are chopped and the mixture is beginning to come together.
Pour in the rest of the oil, and pulse until smooth. Take a taste, and season with salt and pepper.
Transfer the pesto to a jar or a bowl, then enjoy immediately.

Notes

Adapted from The Food Network
To freeze the pesto, transfer it to an air-tight container and drizzle additional olive oil over the top. Freeze for up to 3 months, and let thaw in the refrigerator before using.
To make pesto pasta, boil 1 lb. of noodles (any type!) until al dente, then drain and transfer the pasta into the bowl with the pesto. Combine, then serve warm. You can also follow this recipe for Chicken Pesto Pasta.
Pesto variations:
If you like citrus, add 2 teaspoons of lemon zest and 1-2 tablespoons of lemon juice to your pesto for brightness.
No parmesan cheese? Use pecorino instead.
If you don't like pine nuts, replace them with another toasted nut, like a walnut or a pecan.

Nutrition Information

Show Details

Serving 1serving Calories 454kcal (23%) Carbohydrates 4g (1%) Protein 6g (12%) Fat 47g (72%) Saturated Fat 7g (35%) Polyunsaturated Fat 37g Cholesterol 11mg (4%) Sodium 301mg (13%) Fiber 1g (4%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 4servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 454 kcal

% Daily Value*

Serving	1serving
Calories	454kcal	23%
Carbohydrates	4g	1%
Protein	6g	12%
Fat	47g	72%
Saturated Fat	7g	35%
Polyunsaturated Fat	37g	218%
Cholesterol	11mg	4%
Sodium	301mg	13%
Fiber	1g	4%