Homemade Pesto
A versatile and easy-to-make sauce bursting with fresh flavors, perfect for pasta, sandwiches, and more.
Ingredients
Pesto Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves *
- 1/3 cup pine nuts *
- 1/3 cup freshly grated or shredded parmesan cheese
- 3 small cloves garlic (roasted or fresh) *
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
Preparation
- Pulse the basil, pine nuts, cheese, and garlic together in a food processor or blender.
- Scrape down the sides, then add the olive oil, lemon juice, and salt. Pulse until everything is blended together and relatively smooth.
- If you prefer a thinner consistency, add a drizzle more olive oil and pulse again.
- Taste your pesto and add pepper (and/or more salt) if desired.
- Store the pesto in a jar or a sealable container. Seal tightly and refrigerate for up to 1 week.
Notes
For best flavor, use fresh basil. Toast pine nuts for enhanced depth. Experiment with different nuts and cheeses to customize your pesto.