Basil Pesto Recipe
This Basil Pesto Recipe is a classic and flavorful sauce that is perfect for pasta, sandwiches, or as a dip. Made with fresh basil, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil, this homemade pesto is easy to prepare and bursting with fresh herbaceous flavors.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 minutes
- Total Time: 13 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 2 cups
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Food Processor
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Pine Nuts:
4 ounces
Fresh Basil:
4 cups
Garlic Cloves:
3
Parmesan Cheese (coarsely grated):
1 cup
Lemon Zest:
1 tbsp
Olive Oil:
1 cup
Kosher Salt and Fresh Ground Pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Toast Pine Nuts: Add the pine nuts to a small skillet over medium heat and toast until golden brown, approximately 2-3 minutes. Set aside.
- Process Ingredients: In the bowl of a food processor, add half of the pine nuts, 3 cups basil, 2 garlic cloves, 1/2 cup cheese, and lemon zest. Process for about 30 seconds until finely chopped.
- Add Olive Oil: While the food processor is running on low, slowly drizzle in 3/4 cup of olive oil until a smooth paste forms. Scrape down the sides of the bowl.
- Finely Chop Remaining Ingredients: Add the rest of the pine nuts, basil, garlic, and cheese to the bowl. Pulse until finely chopped.
- Combine and Season: Transfer the pesto to a bowl, stir in the remaining olive oil, and season with salt and pepper.
- Store: Store the pesto in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
- Calories: 85
- Sugar: 0.2g
- Sodium: 59mg
- Fat: 8.7g
- Saturated Fat: 1.6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6.2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1.1g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 1.6g
- Cholesterol: 2mg
Keywords: Basil Pesto, Pesto Sauce, Homemade Pesto
Find it online: https://lucabites.com/basil-pesto-recipe/
