Pesto

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Serve this simple, verdant sauce at room temperature over pasta or spread on toasted bread for a quick and easy appetizer.

Prep Time

10 minutes

Cook Time

0 minutes

Yield

6 Servings

Ingredients

4 cups basil, fresh
3 cloves garlic
1⁄3 cup pine nuts (or walnuts or sunflower seeds)
1⁄2 cup cheese, parmesan
1⁄2 cup olive oil
  salt
  black pepper

Instructions

In a blender or food processor, combine half of the basil with all the other ingredients. Use a low speed and stop often to stir. Blend until smooth, gradually adding the remaining basil.

If using a mortar and pestle, first mash the garlic and salt, then add nuts and continue mashing. Add basil with a little olive oil and mash until a smooth paste is formed. Continue adding olive oil and mix to incorporate.

Taste and season as needed.

Tips:

  • Squeeze in a teaspoon of lemon juice with the basil to help retain its vivid color.
  • Substitute parsley, arugula, or other greens for part of the basil measurement.
  • If you aren’t eating it right away, pesto stores well in the freezer. For convenience, freeze pesto in an ice cube tray. Once frozen solid, pop them out into a plastic bag and place back in the freezer. The small cubes are an easy portion size to thaw when you need them.