Easy Homemade Pesto Recipe
Introduction
Pesto is a vibrant and flavorful Italian sauce made from fresh basil, nuts, cheese, and garlic. This easy homemade pesto recipe is perfect for adding a burst of freshness to pasta, sandwiches, or salads.
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups fresh basil leaves
- 1/3 cup pine nuts
- 1/2 cup Parmigiano-Reggiano, grated
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
Instructions
- Step 1: Place the fresh basil leaves, pine nuts, Parmigiano-Reggiano, garlic, salt, and ground black pepper into a food processor. Blend until the ingredients are finely ground and well combined. Use a spoon or spatula to scrape down the sides as needed for even mixing.
- Step 2: With the food processor running, slowly pour in the extra-virgin olive oil until the pesto is smooth and emulsified. Serve immediately or store for later use.
Tips & Variations
- Toast the pine nuts lightly before blending to enhance their flavor.
- For a twist, substitute pine nuts with walnuts or almonds.
- Add a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the pesto’s taste.
- Use freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano for the best flavor and texture.
Storage
Store pesto in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. To prevent discoloration, pour a thin layer of olive oil on top before sealing. Pesto can also be frozen in ice cube trays for up to three months; thaw portions as needed. Reheat gently or stir directly into warm dishes.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make pesto without a food processor?
Yes, you can finely chop all the ingredients by hand and then mix them together, though it will be more time-consuming and the texture will be slightly different.
Is pesto gluten-free?
Traditional pesto is naturally gluten-free, but always check labels of store-bought cheese or nuts if you have a gluten sensitivity.
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Easy Homemade Pesto Recipe
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: About 1 cup 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Easy Homemade Pesto recipe combines fresh basil, pine nuts, Parmigiano-Reggiano, garlic, and extra-virgin olive oil to create a vibrant and flavorful sauce perfect for pasta, sandwiches, or as a dip. The recipe uses a food processor to quickly blend the ingredients into a smooth, aromatic pesto that captures the essence of traditional Italian flavors.
Ingredients
Fresh Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups Fresh Basil Leaves
- 3 cloves Garlic
Nuts and Cheese
- 1/3 cup Pine Nuts
- 1/2 cup Parmigiano-Reggiano, grated
Spices and Oils
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
- 1/2 teaspoon Ground Black Pepper
- 1/2 cup Extra-Virgin Olive Oil
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Gather fresh basil leaves, pine nuts, grated Parmigiano-Reggiano, peeled garlic cloves, salt, and ground black pepper to ensure all components are ready for blending.
- Blend Main Ingredients: Place the fresh basil leaves, pine nuts, Parmigiano-Reggiano, garlic cloves, salt, and black pepper in the bowl of a food processor. Pulse and blend until the mixture is evenly mixed and finely ground, scraping down the sides with a spoon or spatula to ensure an even texture.
- Add Olive Oil: With the food processor running on low speed, slowly pour in the extra-virgin olive oil until fully incorporated, resulting in a smooth and creamy pesto sauce.
- Serve and Enjoy: Transfer the pesto to a bowl or jar and serve immediately tossed with pasta, spread on sandwiches, or as a flavorful dip. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Notes
- For a nuttier flavor, lightly toast the pine nuts before blending.
- Adjust the amount of garlic based on your taste preference for a milder or stronger garlic flavor.
- Pesto can be frozen in ice cube trays for convenient, single-use portions.
- Use freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano for best flavor and texture.
- If the pesto is too thick, add a little more olive oil to reach desired consistency.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: homemade pesto, basil pesto, Italian sauce, easy pesto recipe, fresh basil sauce, garlic pesto, pine nuts pesto
