Classic Basil Pesto

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This recipe for classic basil pesto is a quick and delicious way to capture the fresh flavor of basil. It's perfect tossed with pasta, spread on sandwiches, or as a flavorful base for pizza.

Course condiment

Cuisine American

Keyword basil, pesto, sauce

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 1

Servings cup

Calories 1413kcal

Author Paula

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

Nutrition