Homemade Pesto

Every year I try my hand at gardening.  Some years are better than others, but every year I have an over abundance of Basil. I love to cook with basil, add it to salads, and the obvious, make my own pesto.

Pesto is a great sauce that can be tossed over pasta, eaten with some crusty bread, or even topping a baked potato.  I personally love it on pasta & fresh baked crusty french bread. MMMM….

Plus, if your basil is taking over like mine will be soon, you can make this ahead and freeze it, so you will have pesto all year long!

Homemade Pesto

 

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Prep time

10 mins

Total time

10 mins

 

Author: Amanda@AFewShortCuts

Recipe type: Side Dish, D.I.Y.

Serves: 1 cup

Ingredients

• 2 cups fresh basil leaves, packed
• ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan-Reggiano or Romano cheese
• ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
• ⅓ cup pine nuts or walnuts
• 3 medium sized garlic cloves, minced
• 1 TBSP Lemon juice (optional)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Add your pine nuts or walnuts to your food processor or blender. Pulse until finely chopped.
2. Add the basil with the nuts and pulse a few times more in a food processor.
3. Add the garlic & lemon juice pulse a few times more.
4. Slowly add the olive oil in a constant stream while the food processor/blender is on. Stop occasionally to scrape down the sides of the food processor with a rubber spatula.
5. Add the grated cheese and pulse again until blended.
6. Add a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
7. Serve with pasta, bread, or whatever floats your boat

2.2.8

Doesn’t this just look good?!