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Fresh Basil Pesto
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves
packed, can sub half the basil leaves with baby spinach
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Romano or Parmesan-Reggiano cheese
about 2 ounces
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/3 cup pine nuts
can sub chopped walnuts
- 3 garlic cloves
minced, about 3 teaspoons
- more to taste1/4 teaspoon salt
- more to taste1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Directions
- 1
Pulse the basil and pine nuts: Place the basil leaves and pine nuts into the bowl of a food processor and pulse several times.
- 2
Add the garlic and cheese: Add the garlic and Parmesan or Romano cheese and pulse several times more. Scrape down the sides of the food processor with a rubber spatula.
- 3
Slowly pour in the olive oil: While the food processor is running, slowly add the olive oil in a steady small stream. Adding the olive oil slowly while the processor is running will help it emulsify and help keep the olive oil from separating. Occasionally, stop to scrape down the sides of the food processor.
- 4
Season the pesto sauce: Add salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Toss with pasta for a quick sauce, dollop over baked potatoes, or spread onto crackers or toasted slices of bread.
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Fresh Basil Pesto
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About this Recipe
Craving the vibrant, fresh taste of summer? This homemade Fresh Basil Pesto recipe is your answer, transforming a bounty of basil into a versatile condiment in just 15 minutes. Forget jarred versions—you'll love how easily you can capture the essence of garden-fresh herbs right in your kitchen.
What makes this recipe truly shine is its simplicity and the quality of fresh ingredients working in harmony. You’re building layers of flavor with nutty pine nuts (or walnuts!), sharp cheese, fragrant garlic, and robust extra virgin olive oil, all complementing the star—fresh basil. The speedy prep means you can whip this up on a weeknight, instantly elevating any meal.
Expect a bright, herbaceous pesto with a rich, savory depth that perfectly balances garlicky notes with the saltiness of the cheese and the earthy sweetness of pine nuts. Its texture is smooth yet substantial, clinging beautifully to pasta or spreading generously over warm bread. This pesto brings an invigorating, aromatic touch that truly tastes homemade, delivering a burst of freshness that store-bought just can't match.
Customizing your Fresh Basil Pesto is simple and encouraged! For a slightly milder flavor or to extend your basil, you can substitute half of the fresh basil leaves with baby spinach. If you don't have pine nuts on hand, chopped walnuts make an excellent alternative, adding a similar richness. Feel free to adjust the salt and pepper to your personal preference.
This versatile Fresh Basil Pesto is perfect for so many occasions. Spoon it generously over your favorite pasta, spread it on crispy baked potatoes, use it as a flavorful base for pizza, or simply enjoy it slathered on warm, crusty bread. It’s a delightful addition to any meal, bringing a touch of gourmet freshness.







