Description
This classic homemade pesto recipe combines fresh basil, toasted pine nuts, parmesan cheese, garlic, and high-quality extra virgin olive oil to create a vibrant, flavorful sauce perfect for pasta, sandwiches, or as a dip. With just a few simple ingredients and quick preparation, you can make a fresh and aromatic pesto that elevates any dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons pine nuts
- 2 cups (60g / 2oz) fresh basil leaves (tightly packed)
- 1/2 cup (50g) parmesan cheese, finely grated (tightly packed)
- 1/2 teaspoon cooking or kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 small garlic clove
- 7 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (best quality)
Instructions
- Toast pine nuts: Preheat a small skillet over medium-high heat without oil. Add the pine nuts and toast, stirring frequently, until they turn light brown and fragrant. Remove immediately to a plate to cool slightly to prevent burning.
- Prepare the pesto base: Place the toasted pine nuts, fresh basil leaves, grated parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and garlic clove in a food processor or blender. Pulse until the ingredients are finely chopped but not fully pureed.
- Incorporate olive oil: With the processor running, slowly drizzle in the extra virgin olive oil through the feed tube until the mixture becomes smooth and emulsified. If the pesto is too thick, add a little more olive oil or a splash of water to reach your desired consistency.
- Alternative blending method: For a more hands-on approach, place all ingredients including the olive oil in a bowl and blend using a handheld immersion blender until the pesto is creamy and smooth.
Notes
- For best flavor, use fresh basil leaves and high-quality extra virgin olive oil.
- Toast the pine nuts carefully to avoid bitterness from overcooking.
- This pesto can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days; cover with a thin layer of olive oil to prevent discoloration.
- To freeze, place pesto in an ice cube tray and freeze, then transfer pesto cubes to a freezer bag for later use.
- Adjust garlic and cheese quantities to taste for a milder or stronger pesto flavor.
