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Homemade Basil Pesto

A vibrant and aromatic sauce made from fresh basil, pine nuts, and olive oil, perfect for pasta, sandwiches, or as a dipping sauce.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time5 minutes
Total Time20 minutes
Course: Sauce
Cuisine: Italian
Keyword: Easy
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

Ingredients

  • 2 cups Fresh basil leaves Just the leaves, no stems.
  • ¼ cup Pine nuts Toasted for enhanced flavor.
  • 1 clove Garlic Peeled.
  • ½ cup Freshly grated parmesan cheese
  • ¼ teaspoon Ground black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon Salt
  • ½ cup Extra-virgin olive oil

Instructions

  • Step 1: Rinse the fresh basil leaves gently under cold water to remove any dirt or insects. Pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel or use a salad spinner.
  • Step 2: In a small skillet, toast the pine nuts over medium heat for about 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently to ensure they do not burn. Once golden and aromatic, remove them from the heat and let them cool.
  • Step 3: In a food processor, combine the toasted pine nuts, fresh basil leaves, garlic clove, freshly grated parmesan cheese, ground black pepper, and salt. Pulse until coarsely chopped.
  • Step 4: With the food processor running, slowly drizzle in the extra-virgin olive oil until fully incorporated and creamy. Scrape down the sides as needed.
  • Step 5: Taste the pesto and adjust seasoning if necessary. Add more salt, pepper, or parmesan cheese to suit your preference. If too thick, add more olive oil.

Equipment

  • Food Processor
  • Skillet

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container with a thin layer of olive oil on top to preserve color. Refrigerate for up to one week or freeze in ice cube trays for longer storage.