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
Scale
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
