Description
A vibrant and aromatic fresh basil pesto made with pine nuts, garlic, and Parmesan cheese. This classic Italian sauce comes together in minutes and adds incredible flavor to pasta, sandwiches, and more.
Ingredients
Scale
- 50g (1.75oz) fresh basil leaves
- 2 cloves garlic, peeled
- 40g (3 tbsp) pine nuts
- 30g (1/3 cup) freshly grated Parmesan
- ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
- ¼ tsp Maldon salt
- 90ml (1/3 cup) olive oil
- To Serve:
- ½ tsp crushed Maldon Salt
Instructions
- Combine Dry Ingredients: Add the basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan, black pepper, and salt to a food processor and pulse for about 10 seconds. This initial pulsing breaks up the garlic and pine nuts while beginning to release the aromatic oils from the basil leaves, creating the foundation of your pesto.
- Add Oil: Turn the food processor back on and pour in the olive oil in a steady stream, which should take about 10 seconds. Adding the oil gradually while the processor is running helps create an emulsion that gives the pesto its smooth, cohesive texture while preventing it from separating.
- Check Consistency: Examine the pesto for your preferred texture. If you enjoy a chunkier pesto with more defined bits of basil and pine nuts, it’s ready to serve. If you prefer a smoother consistency, continue processing for another 10-20 seconds until you achieve your desired texture.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the pesto and add more salt if needed. Adding approximately ½ teaspoon of lightly crushed Maldon salt at the end enhances all the flavors and brings the sauce to life.
Notes
- Fresh pesto will keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days when stored in an airtight container with a thin layer of olive oil on top to prevent oxidation.
- To freeze pesto, portion it into ice cube trays, freeze until solid, then transfer the cubes to a freezer bag. This way, you can thaw only what you need.
- For a nut-free version, substitute sunflower seeds or walnuts for pine nuts.
- Traditional Ligurian pesto also includes a small amount of pecorino cheese along with the Parmesan.
- For a more authentic touch, try using a mortar and pestle instead of a food processor.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Sauces-condiments
- Method: No-cook
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
- Calories: 80
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 2mg