Classic Pesto
A bright green Italian sauce made with fresh basil, pine nuts, Parmesan, garlic, and olive oil. This versatile sauce is perfect for pasta, sandwiches, or as a flavor-packed spread or marinade.
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves, packed
- 1/4 cup pine nuts, lightly toasted
- 2-3 garlic cloves, peeled
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tsp fresh lemon juice
Instructions
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1
In a food processor or blender, combine 2 cups packed fresh basil leaves, 1/4 cup lightly toasted pine nuts, and 2-3 peeled garlic cloves. Pulse several times until coarsely chopped.
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2
Add 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, 1/2 tsp kosher salt, and 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper. Pulse a few more times to incorporate.
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3
With the machine running, slowly drizzle in 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil through the feed tube until the mixture is smooth but still has some texture.
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4
Stir in 1 tsp fresh lemon juice by hand, which helps preserve the bright green color.
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5
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, adding more salt, pepper, or lemon juice as desired.
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6
If using immediately with hot pasta, add a few tablespoons of pasta cooking water to the sauce to help it coat the pasta better.
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7
To store, transfer to an airtight container and drizzle a thin layer of olive oil on top to prevent browning. Refrigerate for up to 5 days or freeze in ice cube trays for up to 3 months.