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Pesto Recipe

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This Homemade Pesto is a vibrant, fresh sauce made with basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil. Perfect for pasta, sandwiches, or as a dip, it’s a versatile condiment that adds flavor to any dish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups fresh basil leaves, packed
  • 1/3 cup pine nuts (or walnuts for a budget-friendly option)
  • 2 garlic cloves
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1/4 tsp salt (or to taste)
  • 1/8 tsp black pepper

Instructions

1. Toast the Pine Nuts (Optional):

  1. Heat a dry skillet over medium heat. Add the pine nuts and toast for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until golden and fragrant. Remove from heat and let cool.

2. Blend the Ingredients:

  1. In a food processor, combine the basil leaves, toasted pine nuts, garlic, and Parmesan cheese. Pulse until finely chopped.
  2. With the food processor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the mixture is smooth and emulsified.

3. Season the Pesto:

  1. Add salt and black pepper to taste. Pulse a few more times to combine.

4. Serve or Store:

  1. Use immediately as a sauce for pasta, a spread for sandwiches, or a dip.
  2. To store, transfer to an airtight container and drizzle a thin layer of olive oil on top to prevent browning. Refrigerate for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 3 months.

Notes

  • Make It Nut-Free: Substitute pine nuts with sunflower seeds or skip nuts entirely.
  • Variations: Add a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness or a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat.
  • Freezing Tip: Freeze pesto in ice cube trays for easy portioning.

Find it online: https://ukfinda.com/pesto-recipe/