Description
Elevate your culinary creations with this homemade basil pesto recipe, bursting with fresh flavor and vibrant color. Featuring a delightful blend of aromatic basil, creamy pine nuts, and zesty garlic, this versatile sauce enhances everything from pasta to sandwiches. In just six easy steps, you can whip up a jar of liquid gold that captures the essence of summer. Perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings, this pesto will quickly become a staple in your kitchen.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves
- 1/2 cup pine nuts (lightly toasted)
- 3 garlic cloves (peeled)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (freshly grated)
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Gather all ingredients on your counter.
- Toast the pine nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat until golden brown and fragrant (about 3-5 minutes).
- In a food processor, combine basil leaves, toasted pine nuts, garlic cloves, and Parmesan cheese; pulse until finely chopped.
- With the processor running, slowly drizzle in olive oil until smooth. Scrape down the sides as needed.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste; blend briefly to mix.
- Transfer pesto to a serving bowl or jar; drizzle with extra olive oil if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons (30g)
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 5mg