Description
This Homemade Pesto Recipe is a fresh, flavorful sauce made from vibrant basil leaves, pine nuts, parmesan cheese, olive oil, garlic, and lemon juice. Perfect as a versatile condiment or pasta topping, this quick and easy recipe packs a burst of herbaceous goodness with minimal prep time.
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves (tightly packed)
- 1/2 cup shredded parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 cup pine nuts
- 2 garlic cloves
- 1/4 cup lemon juice (juice of 2 small lemons)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the basil: Wash and dry the basil leaves thoroughly to remove any dirt or impurities, ensuring the freshest flavor in your pesto.
- Process ingredients: Place the cleaned basil leaves into a food processor. Add the shredded parmesan cheese, extra virgin olive oil, pine nuts, garlic cloves, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Process until the mixture is smooth and well combined, forming a rich green sauce.
- Season to taste: Taste the pesto and adjust the seasoning by adding more salt and pepper if preferred to enhance the flavor.
Notes
- For a nuttier flavor, you can lightly toast the pine nuts before blending.
- Pesto can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- To prevent browning, drizzle a thin layer of olive oil over the top when storing.
- This recipe can be doubled or halved easily depending on your needs.
- Using fresh, high-quality ingredients greatly enhances the flavor.
