Basil Pesto Recipe
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Total Time
10 mins
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Servings
1 pint
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Calories
55 kcal
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Course
Condiments
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Cuisine
Italian
Basil Pesto Recipe
Description
This pesto uses fresh basil leaves finely processed together with olive oil, toasted pine nuts, freshly shredded parmesan cheese, garlic cloves, coarse salt, and fresh lemon juice. The mixture is pulsed gently in a food processor to combine without over-blending, ensuring a vibrant green color and balanced texture that is neither too coarse nor too runny.
The lemon juice adds brightness and acts as a slight preservative, complementing the richness of the nuts and cheese. Olive oil provides smoothness that carries the flavors well and allows the pesto to be spreadable or drizzled. The garlic gives a savory undertone without overpowering.
Pesto can be used to enhance plain pasta, vinaigrettes, sandwiches, or as a dip. It is a versatile addition to many dishes that benefit from fresh herb flavor.
Using mild olive oil reduces any bitterness, making the pesto more approachable. The sauce is best stored refrigerated and used within about a week or frozen for longer preservation.
Ingredients
- 4 cups basil leaves fresh, rinsed and drained
- 2/3 cup olive oil
- 1/3 cup pine nuts about 2 ounces, toasted or not
- 1/3 cup Parmesan Cheese freshly shredded
- 2 cloves garlic peeled
- 1 tsp salt coarse
- 2 Tbsp lemon juice fresh
Instructions
- Put the basil into your food processor fitted with the metal blade, pushing it down to fit, if necessary.
- Add the rest of the ingredients on top. Pulse the machine 20 times. Then scrape down the sides.
- Pulse the machine 20 more times, and scrape again.
- Run the machine for about 5 seconds. Scrape again. Give it a taste to make any adjustments to the ingredients.
- Run for a final 5-10 seconds, at most. The pesto should be perfect.
- Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate until needed.
Notes
- Choose a mild olive oil for a less bitter pesto flavor, though extra virgin can be used for stronger taste.
- Store pesto in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
- Freeze pesto in portions for extended storage without losing fresh flavor.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 1pint
Amount Per Serving
Calories 55 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1Tbsp | |
| Calories | 55kcal | 3% |
| Carbohydrates | 1g | 0% |
| Protein | 1g | 2% |
| Fat | 6g | 9% |
| Saturated Fat | 1g | 5% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1g | 6% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 4g | 20% |
| Cholesterol | 1mg | 0% |
| Sodium | 91mg | 4% |
| Potassium | 21mg | 0% |
| Fiber | 0.1g | 0% |
| Sugar | 0.1g | 0% |
| Vitamin A | 168IU | 3% |
| Vitamin C | 1mg | 1% |
| Calcium | 15mg | 2% |
| Iron | 0.2mg | 1% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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