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Easy basil Pesto

dish of basil pesto with basil leaves and cheese

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5 from 3 reviews

A simple recipe for pesto in case it’s been awhile since you made it.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 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

  1. Toast pine nuts in a 350º oven on a baking sheet, until golden brown. Watch closely! It takes only 2 or 3 minutes.
  2.  Transfer to a food processor and let cool. Add cheese and garlic and pulse until finely ground, about 1 minute.
  3. Add the basil (thick stems removed and discarded).
  4. 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.