Garlic 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
2 cups
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Calories
359 kcal
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Course
Condiments
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Cuisine
American
Garlic Pesto
Description
The Garlic Pesto recipe starts with fresh basil leaves and roughly chopped garlic blended together with pine nuts, lemon juice, and grated Parmesan cheese. This base is slowly combined with extra virgin olive oil to achieve a creamy texture. If the pesto is too thick, a small amount of warm water is added to loosen it, ensuring it spreads well. Seasoned with salt and freshly ground black pepper, the pesto maintains a balanced flavor with herbaceous freshness, nuttiness, and a hint of sharpness from the cheese.
The method involves blending the ingredients in a food processor for even texture and flavor distribution. The pesto can be used immediately or stored in the refrigerator for a few days, making it convenient for meal preparation. It brightens simple dishes such as pasta, toast, steak, shrimp, and potatoes without overwhelming the palate.
Because no cooking is required, the fresh basil aroma remains pronounced, complementing the garlic and pine nuts. The inclusion of lemon juice adds a subtle acidity that keeps the pesto from tasting heavy, while grated Parmesan cheese provides umami depth. Adjusting the thickness with water allows customization depending on how the pesto will be served or mixed.
Ingredients
- 2 cups basil fresh, Italian, tightly packed leaves with small stems
- 3 cloves garlic roughly chopped
- 3 tablespoons pine nuts
- 4 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1/4 cups Parmesan Cheese grated
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- water
- salt to taste
- black pepper freshly ground
Instructions
- Add the basil, garlic, pine nuts, lemon juice, and Parmesan cheese to a food processor. Blend until well combined.
- Slowly add the olive oil to the food processor. If the pesto is too thick, add a little warm water to loosen it. Transfer the pesto to a bowl and season with salt and black pepper. Stir to combine well.
- The pesto is now ready to use.
Notes
- Store the pesto refrigerated and use within a few days to retain freshness.
- Use as a versatile sauce on pasta, steak, shrimp, toast, or potatoes.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 2cups
Amount Per Serving
Calories 359 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 2cups | |
| Calories | 359kcal | 18% |
| Carbohydrates | 7g | 2% |
| Protein | 8g | 16% |
| Fat | 35g | 54% |
| Saturated Fat | 6g | 30% |
| Cholesterol | 11mg | 4% |
| Sodium | 194mg | 8% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 2g | 4% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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