Basil Pesto Recipe
User Reviews
4.9
-
Prep Time
10 mins
-
Total Time
10 mins
-
Servings
8 people (makes 1 1/2 cups pesto)
-
Calories
205 kcal
-
Course
Condiments
-
Cuisine
Italian
Basil Pesto Recipe
Description
This pesto begins with tightly packed fresh basil leaves washed and dried. In a food processor, basil is blended with shredded Parmesan, pine nuts, whole garlic cloves, olive oil, lemon juice from two small lemons, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Processing continues until smooth, though some may prefer a slightly coarser texture.
The sauce offers a fresh, grassy flavor from the basil paired with nutty pine nuts and savory Parmesan. The lemon juice adds acidity and brightness, enhancing the overall profile. This pesto can be stirred into cooked pasta, spread on bread, or used as a sauce for grilled vegetables or meats.
Notes suggest experimenting with different basil varieties like Thai or lemon basil for flavor variation. Nuts may be substituted with walnuts or almonds, which can be toasted lightly beforehand to deepen their flavor. These adjustments allow customization to taste.
Ingredients
- 2 cups basil tightly packed, fresh leaves
- 3/4 cup Parmesan Cheese shredded
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 cup pine nuts *
- 2 garlic large, cloves
- 1/4 cup lemon juice (juice of 2 small lemons)
- 1/2 tsp salt or to taste
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Wash and dry the basil leaves - you can use a salad spinner to make this step easier.
- Place basil into a food processor. Add parmesan cheese, nuts, garlic cloves, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Process until smooth.
- Season with more salt to taste if desired.
Notes
- Try different types of basil such as Thai or lemon basil for unique flavor variations.
- Substitute pine nuts with walnuts or blanched almonds as preferred.
- Toast nuts lightly over medium heat in a dry skillet until fragrant before using to enhance their flavor.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 8people (makes 1 1/2 cups pesto)
Amount Per Serving
Calories 205 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 205kcal | 10% |
| Carbs | 2g | |
| Protein | 3g | 6% |
| Fat | 21g | 32% |
| Saturated Fat | 4g | 20% |
| Cholesterol | 8mg | 3% |
| Sodium | 290mg | 12% |
| Potassium | 88mg | 2% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 1g | 2% |
| Vitamin A | 375IU | 8% |
| Vitamin C | 4.3mg | 5% |
| Calcium | 117mg | 12% |
| Iron | 0.8mg | 4% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.9
You'll Also Love
