Classic Basil Pesto
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Basil pesto is a simple sauce that adds brightness and fresh flavor to many meals. It has a short list of fresh items and can be ready in minutes.
Key Takeaways
- Classic basil pesto is a quick and flavorful sauce to enhance various dishes.
- Adjust the thickness based on your needs: thicker for spreading, thinner for pasta.
- Use fresh basil and lightly toasted nuts for better flavor; you can substitute nuts with seeds if necessary.
- Keep pesto fresh by sealing it tightly and using a thin layer of oil to prevent darkening.
- Basil pesto is versatile and works well with pasta, grilled meats, and spreads.
Classic Basil Pesto
This recipe is easy to adjust to your taste. You can also make it thicker for spreading or thinner for tossing with pasta, depending on how you’ll use it.
Tips and Subs
When making pesto, use fresh basil leaves that are dry and free of dark spots.
Toast the nuts lightly to bring out more flavor, but let them cool before mixing.
If the sauce looks too thick, add a small splash of liquid to loosen it.
If it tastes sharp, balance it with a bit more cheese or oil.
You can swap the nuts with seeds if needed.
You can also use a food processor or a mortar and pestle for a more textured result.
Why you’ll ❤️ this recipe.
😋Fresh, bold flavor
🕜Comes together in minutes
🍳Works with pasta, sandwiches, and more
🔁Easy to adjust to your liking
🥣stores well for later use
Classic Basil Pesto FAQ
Keep air away from the surface and store it in a sealed container. A thin layer of oil on top helps keep the color bright.
Yes, it freezes well. Use small portions so you can thaw only what you need.
It works well with pasta, grilled chicken, roasted vegetables, and as a spread.
It will stay fresh for a few days when stored properly in a sealed container.
Conclusion
Basil pesto is a great recipe to keep on hand for quick meals. It is easy to make and easy to use in many ways. Once you try it, you will find many ways to add it to your weekly meals.
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- Two Pesto Chicken Pizza with Mozzarella and Ricotta
Classic Basil Pesto
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Ingredients
- ¼ cup pine nuts lightly toasted (optional, but recommended)
- 2 cups basil leaves packed fresh
- 2 tablespoons garlic minced, about 4 cloves
- ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese grated
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the pine nuts: In a small, dry skillet over medium heat, lightly toast the pine nuts until fragrant and just golden, about 2-3 minutes. Be careful, they can burn quickly. Remove from the heat and let them cool.¼ cup pine nuts
- Combine ingredients: In a food processor, combine the fresh basil leaves, toasted pine nuts, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Pulse several times until a coarse paste forms.2 cups basil leaves, 2 tablespoons garlic
- Add the oil: With the food processor running on low, drizzle in the extra-virgin olive oil in a steady stream. Continue processing until the mixture is well combined and has a smooth consistency.½ cup extra virgin olive oil
- Incorporate the cheese: Turn off the food processor and scrape down the sides. Add the grated Parmesan and pulse just until it is mixed in. Taste and add more salt and pepper if needed. Be careful not to over-process at this stage, it can make the pesto turn a darker color.½ cup Parmesan cheese, Salt and freshly ground black pepper