How to Make Pesto
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Total Time
10 mins
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Servings
6 servings
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Calories
221 kcal
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Course
Condiments
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Cuisine
Italian
How to Make Pesto
Description
Traditional pesto is prepared by finely mincing fresh basil leaves, raw pine nuts, and garlic in a food processor until very fine. Lemon juice and grated Parmesan cheese are added to balance freshness and umami. Extra-virgin olive oil is slowly blended in to emulsify and create a smooth, pourable sauce. The salt enhances overall flavor.
The resulting sauce has a bright herbal aroma with nutty undertones and a creamy yet slightly coarse texture from the finely minced nuts and herbs. The lemon juice adds a mild acidity that cuts through richness and preserves color.
This pesto can be served tossed with pasta, drizzled over vegetables, or used as a spread. It is best stored in an airtight container, refrigerated to preserve freshness and slow oxidation, and ideally consumed within a week due to the use of fresh ingredients.
Covering the pesto with plastic wrap directly on the surface helps maintain color and prevent browning.
Ingredients
- 2 cups basil destemmed and packed, fresh leaves
- ⅓ cup pine nuts raw
- 2 garlic cloves
- 2 tablespoons Parmesan Cheese grated
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Combine basil leaves, pine nuts and garlic in a food processor and process until very finely minced. Add the lemon juice and parmesan cheese.
- With the machine running, slowly stream in the oil and process until the mixture is smooth.
Notes
- Store pesto in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 7 days to preserve freshness.
- Place plastic wrap directly on the surface of the pesto to slow oxidation and maintain color.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 221 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 221kcal | 11% |
| Carbohydrates | 2g | 1% |
| Protein | 2g | 4% |
| Fat | 24g | 37% |
| Saturated Fat | 3g | 15% |
| Cholesterol | 1mg | 0% |
| Sodium | 123mg | 5% |
| Potassium | 68mg | 1% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 1g | 2% |
| Vitamin A | 436IU | 9% |
| Vitamin C | 3mg | 3% |
| Calcium | 34mg | 3% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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