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Pesto

A quick and vibrant homemade pesto sauce made with fresh basil, pine nuts, and Parmesan cheese, ready in just 10 minutes.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Sauce
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 150
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main
  • 2 cups fresh basil leaves packed
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1/3 cup pine nuts or walnuts
  • 2 garlic cloves minced
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Equipment

  • Food processor or blender
  • Spatula
  • Measuring cups
  • Measuring spoons

Method
 

  1. Wash the basil leaves thoroughly and dry them gently with a paper towel.
  2. In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the pine nuts for 3 to 5 minutes until golden, stirring frequently.
  3. Add the basil leaves and toasted pine nuts to the food processor and pulse until finely chopped.
  4. Add the minced garlic and grated Parmesan cheese to the processor and pulse until well combined.
  5. With the processor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the mixture reaches a smooth consistency.
  6. Season with salt and pepper to taste, blending briefly to incorporate.
  7. Pause and scrape down the sides of the processor with a spatula to ensure all ingredients are evenly mixed.
  8. Transfer the pesto to a jar or container and serve immediately, or refrigerate for later use.

Notes

Store pesto in an airtight container with a thin layer of olive oil on top to prevent browning.