This basic pesto recipe comes from simplyrecipes.com. Tip: you can substitute some of the basil for other leafy herbs like cilantro, parsley, and mint.
Fresh Basil Pesto
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves packed
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan-Reggiano or Romano cheese
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/3 cup pine nuts or walnuts
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- Salt to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
-
Combine the basil and pine nuts in a food processor and pulse a few times. (If you are using walnuts instead of pine nuts and they are not already chopped, pulse them a few times first, before adding the basil.) Add the garlic and pulse a few times more.
-
Slowly add the olive oil in a constant stream while the food processor is on. Stop to scrape down the sides of the food processor with a rubber spatula. Add the grated cheese and pulse again until blended. Add a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Recipe Notes
Makes 1 cup. Serve with pasta, or over baked potatoes, or spread over toasted baguette slices. Store in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to one week, or in the freezer for no longer than a year.