Basil Pesto -

Basil Pesto

A vibrant green sauce bursting with fresh, aromatic flavors of basil, garlic, and pine nuts, perfect for transforming pasta into a mouthwatering masterpiece.

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Prep Time 15

Total Time 15

Servings: 4 servings

Course: condiment, sauce

Cuisine: Italian

Calories: 150

Ingredients Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

Pesto Ingredients

2 cups Fresh Basil Leaves Select vibrant green leaves, avoiding any that are wilted or discolored for optimal flavor.
3 cloves Garlic Cloves Use fresh garlic for a bold taste; adjust the amount based on your preference for garlic intensity.
0.5 cups Pine Nuts Lightly toast them to enhance their nutty flavor and add a rich depth to your pesto.
1 cup Parmesan Cheese Freshly grated cheese will provide the best flavor and texture compared to pre-packaged options.
0.5 cups Olive Oil Choose high-quality extra virgin olive oil to ensure a rich, smooth consistency in your pesto.
to taste Salt Use sea salt or kosher salt, adjusting the quantity to suit your taste preferences.
to taste Lemon Juice Freshly squeezed lemon juice brightens the flavors; avoid bottled juice for the best results.

Method

Preparation

Gather your ingredients: fresh basil leaves, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, olive oil, and salt.
Blend the base: Add two cups of fresh basil leaves and three cloves of garlic to the food processor and pulse until finely chopped.
Add the nuts and cheese: Toss in half a cup of pine nuts and one cup of grated Parmesan cheese, blending until you have a coarse mixture.
Incorporate the olive oil: With the food processor running on low, slowly drizzle in half a cup of extra virgin olive oil until combined into a silky paste.
Final touches: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt if needed, and add more olive oil for a thinner consistency if desired.
Store and serve: Transfer the basil pesto into an airtight container for storage.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 150kcalCarbohydrates: 5gProtein: 4gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 11gCholesterol: 5mgSodium: 200mgPotassium: 100mgFiber: 1gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 1mg

Notes

This versatile sauce can jazz up everything from pasta to pizza and even chicken.

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