Pesto: The pasta of summer
Pesto is one of those things that I remember distinctly the first time I had it. I was in my twenties and we were having dinner with friends who worked with my husband at Surfer Publishing. They had a very cool cottage in Laguna Beach. At the time I probably did not appreciate just how cool and bohemian it was for the early 90s. Both are artists and so it makes sense that they were into boho before I even knew what to call it.
It was mid-summer and they made us pasta with fresh pesto made from their tiny hillside garden with ocean breezes that had basil growing wild. I had never even tasted pesto…this was even before we had Trader Joe’s in South Orange County, California so it never occurred to me to buy it in a jar. Years later I still have a hard time buying store-bought pesto when it’s so easy to make and the result is nothing like fresh basil pesto that coats pasta unlike any store-bought pesto could.
What I love about this dish is how a few simple ingredients make such a stunning bright sauce for a perfect bowl of comfort food. I also love that it’s a dish that’s best made in the summer when basil grows. It’s the perfect dish for picnics or dining outside. It’s delicious hot or served room temperature. And it makes great leftovers…if you are lucky enough to have leftovers!
5 ingredients for a simple dish
Easy basil Pesto
A simple recipe for pesto in case it’s been awhile since you made it.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup pine nuts
- 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan
- 2 garlic cloves, grated
- 3 bunches fresh basil, washed and dried
- 3/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
Instructions
- Toast pine nuts in a 350º oven on a baking sheet, until golden brown. Watch closely! It takes only 2 or 3 minutes.
- Transfer to a food processor and let cool. Add cheese and garlic and pulse until finely ground, about 1 minute.
- Add the basil (thick stems removed and discarded).
- With the motor running, add oil in a slow and steady stream until pesto is smooth, about 1 minute.
Notes
Some think pesto is best served with long pasta like spaghetti, but I prefer fusilli pasta. It holds the sauce just perfectly.
If you like 5 ingredient recipes (or less) for summer…here’s a few more!
Layered Hummus Dip – Modern Glam
Appetizer Trio With Roasted Rosemary Cashews – Classic Casual Home
Have you Made Pesto Lately? – Most Lovely Things
Homemade Hummus – Lemongrove Lane
How to Make Bubble Tea (Boba Tea) – Happy Happy Nester
Lemon Rosemary Shortbread Cookies – Finding Lovely
5 Ingredient Blueberry Crepes – Zevy Joy
Raspberry Lemonade Sorbet – Jenna Kate At Home
Easy Pasta Recipe – My 100 Year Old Home
Easy Italian Sausage Pasta – Maison De Pax
Creamy Grape Salad – Twelve on Main
I can smell that basil!! Looks delicious. We use pesto on everything so I will be trying your recipe:)
★★★★★
MY ITALIAN HUSBAND MAKES THIS ONCE A YEAR………He does not toast TOAST PINE NUTS if you want one less step!
WE make for the year and freeze it!A perfect sauce to have on hand at the last minute.It will also keep well in refrigerator for a long long time AS LONG AS YOU COVER THE TOP WITH OLIVE OIL AND CLOSE THE LID PERFECTLY!That way it will not turn BLACK or MOLD.He also adds HOT pepper to it which I do not LIKE!
BUT I THINK YOU MIGHT!!!
I TOLD Mary Ann I don’t think I have a recipe with just FIVE INGREDIENTS!
MUST PONDER TODAY as I VACUUM THE CASA!!!!
XX
Annie,
I always love fresh pesto! Your recipe looks amazing! I can smell the garlic way over here! Thanks for joining our blog hop!
★★★★★
Who doesn’t love basil. I never think to make a big pile of it in the summer and freeze it! I need to get some planted. It is one of the few things I can grow, but it doesn’t do well in cold ground! Your pictures are beautiful!
Nothing like a recipe from Annie! Always a hit at our house.
I can’t believe I have NEVER made homemade pesto. I know, really? You’ve inspired me, I am finally going to make it!
Your pesto sounds delicious Annie! And what a memory to be living in Laguna during that time. I am going to try your recipe – I bet my kids will love it. Now…to plant some basil!
★★★★★