Fresh Basil Pesto
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
5 mins
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Total Time
5 mins
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Servings
8 servings (2 TBSP)
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Calories
175 kcal
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Course
Condiments
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Cuisine
Italian
Fresh Basil Pesto
Description
This Fresh Basil Pesto combines fresh basil leaves with optional toasted pine nuts, minced garlic, fine sea salt, freshly shredded Parmesan cheese, and extra virgin olive oil. The ingredients are pulsed together in a food processor and the olive oil is gradually drizzled in to emulsify and create a cohesive sauce. Toasting the pine nuts enhances their flavor but is optional.
The pesto delivers a bright, herbal, and savory flavor with a creamy texture from the cheese and nuts. It is ready to use immediately but can be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. A light layer of olive oil or plastic wrap on top helps prevent oxidation.
Ingredients
- 2 cups basil leaves tightly packed, fresh
- 1/4 /4 cup pine nuts optional: toasted
- 3 garlic cloves
- 1/2 /2 teaspoon salt or to taste, fine sea salt
- 1/2 /2 cup Parmesan Cheese freshly shredded
- 1/2 /2 cup extra virgin olive oil
Instructions
- In the bowl of a food processor with a chopping blade (or blender), add the basil leaves, pine nuts, garlic cloves, salt, and parmesan cheese. Pulse until finely chopped together. If you want to use toasted pine nuts, place them in a small skillet over low-medium heat for 3-4 minutes until warm, fragrant and toasted.
- While the food processor is running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil, scraping the sides of the bowl as needed. Taste test for salt levels and adjust as desired.
- Pesto is ready to use immediately, otherwise store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. You may want to cover with a thin layer of olive oil or plastic wrap to prevent oxidation.
Notes
- This recipe yields approximately 1 cup of pesto suitable for immediate use or refrigeration.
- To enhance flavor, toast the pine nuts lightly in a skillet before adding.
- Store pesto in an airtight container with a thin layer of olive oil or plastic wrap to reduce browning.
- Use within five days for best freshness and flavor.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 8servings (2 TBSP)
Amount Per Serving
Calories 175 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 2TBSP | |
| Calories | 175kcal | 9% |
| Carbohydrates | 1g | 0% |
| Protein | 3g | 6% |
| Fat | 18g | 28% |
| Saturated Fat | 3g | 15% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 3g | 18% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 11g | 55% |
| Cholesterol | 4mg | 1% |
| Sodium | 246mg | 10% |
| Potassium | 53mg | 1% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 1g | 2% |
| Vitamin A | 367IU | 7% |
| Vitamin C | 1mg | 1% |
| Calcium | 88mg | 9% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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