Classic Homemade Basil Pesto Recipe
A classic homemade basil pesto recipe featuring fresh basil leaves, pine nuts, Parmesan-Reggiano cheese, garlic, and extra virgin olive oil blended into a flavorful sauce perfect for pasta, sandwiches, or as a dip.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 3/4 cup pesto 1x
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves, packed
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan-Reggiano cheese
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/3 cup pine nuts
- 3 medium-sized garlic cloves, minced
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Chop basil and pine nuts: Place the fresh basil leaves and pine nuts into a food processor and pulse several times until the ingredients are roughly chopped, helping to create a textured base for your pesto.
- Add garlic: Add the minced garlic to the processor and pulse a few more times to incorporate its pungent flavor evenly throughout the mixture.
- Incorporate cheese: Slowly add the freshly grated Parmesan-Reggiano cheese and pulse a few times until the cheese is thoroughly blended into the mixture, lending a rich umami taste.
- Drizzle olive oil: While the processor is running, gradually drizzle in the extra virgin olive oil until the pesto reaches your desired creamy consistency, ensuring all ingredients are emulsified well.
- Season pesto: Stop the processor to taste your pesto, then add salt and freshly ground black pepper according to your preference. Pulse again briefly to mix the seasoning evenly.
- Store properly: Transfer the finished pesto to an airtight container and refrigerate it until ready to use. This preserves its fresh flavor and vibrant green color.
Notes
- Use fresh basil leaves for the best flavor and vibrant green color.
- Toast pine nuts lightly before adding for an extra nutty flavor.
- Adjust olive oil quantity for thicker or thinner pesto based on preference.
- Pesto can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one week or frozen for longer storage.
- Use a food processor or blender for best results.
Keywords: basil pesto, homemade pesto, Italian sauce, basil sauce, pesto recipe, fresh pesto, easy pesto
Find it online: https://amayaharis.com/classic-homemade-basil-pesto-recipe/
