Ingredients
Fresh Basil Pesto Ingredients
Raw Pine Nuts 32oz (2 lb) | Whole and Natural | NO PPO | Batch Tested Gluten & Peanut Free | Steam Pasteurized | Great for Pesto, Salads or Roasting - By I'M A NUT
$38.95
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Food to Live - Pine Nuts, 5 Pounds Raw Pignolias, Kosher, Vegan
$89.99
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Kirkland Pine Nuts 1.5 lb in 2 Bags, 3LB total
$79.95
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Pompeian Robust Extra Virgin Olive Oil, First Cold Pressed, Full-Bodied Flavor, Perfect for Salad Dressings & Marinades, 68 FL. OZ.
$25.23
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Colavita All Natural Roasted Garlic Extra Virgin Olive Oil 32oz Plastic
$29.74
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Pompeian Smooth Extra Virgin Olive Oil, First Cold Pressed, Mild and Delicate Flavor, Perfect for Sauteing & Stir-Frying, Naturally Gluten Free, Non-Allergenic, Non-GMO, 32 Fl Oz
$14.58
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Optional Ingredients
Volcano Bursts Organic Italian Lemon Juice, 33.8 oz (6 Pack)
$66.99
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Realemon 100% Lemon Juice, 2.5 oz
$4.01
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TRUE LEMON Water Enhancer, Bulk Dispenser, 100 Count (Pack of 1), 0 Calorie Drink Mix Packets For Water, Sugar Free Lemon Flavoring Powder Packets
$6.93
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The Spice Lab Black Tellicherry Peppercorns for Grinder Packed in the USA - Steam Sterilized Kosher Non-GMO All Natural Black Pepper 5015 (1 lb Resealable Bag)
$13.95
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Amazon Brand - Happy Belly Tellicherry Black Pepper Whole Peppercorn, 16 ounce (Pack of 1)
$9.02
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Instructions
Step 1
Gather all the ingredients you'll need for the pesto. Make sure you have fresh basil leaves, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, olive oil, and garlic cloves. It's important to use fresh basil to achieve that vibrant green color and aroma.
Step 2
Place the fresh basil, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and garlic cloves into your food processor. Add a pinch of salt to enhance the flavor. Start blending these ingredients on a medium speed until they become finely chopped.
While blending, gradually pour in the olive oil through the feed tube. This allows for a smoother consistency. Continue blending until the mixture is creamy yet slightly chunky, depending on your personal preference.
Step 3
Taste your pesto and adjust the flavor as needed. You can add a tablespoon of lemon juice for some acidity or sprinkle in black pepper for extra flavor. Blend again briefly to combine any additions thoroughly.
Step 4
Your delicious, creamy pesto is now ready to enrich any dish! Toss it with your favorite pasta for a quick meal or serve it as a dip with bread and vegetables. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and it should last for about a week.
Servings
Imagine gathering your loved ones for a delightful picnic on a warm sunny day! 🌞 Pair this homemade pesto with pasta, fresh slices of baguette, or as a dip for crisp vegetables. Serve it over a bed of fresh greens for a vibrant salad that is not only delicious but also a feast for the eyes. For a casual dinner, drizzle the pesto on grilled chicken or fish, giving a refreshing twist to your meal. Don’t forget to sprinkle some Parmesan cheese on top for that added richness! 🍝✨
Or take it outdoors! 🥙 Create refreshing wraps with flatbreads slathered in pesto, filled with fresh veggies, and maybe some grilled tempeh for a protein boost. Your picnic basket will be the star of the day!
Equipment
A good food processor is essential for achieving that creamy consistency in your pesto. Make sure it has a strong motor to handle fresh basil and other ingredients without difficulty.
Precision matters! Ensure you have a set of measuring cups and spoons to accurately measure your ingredients for the perfect flavor balance.
Spring Chef Stainless Steel Measuring Cups and Measuring Spoons Set of 14 with Leveler, Nesting Kitchen Metal Measuring Cups and Spoons Set for Dry and Liquid Ingredients, Perfect for Cooking & Baking
$21.99
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Simply Gourmet Measuring Cups and Spoons Set of 12, 304 Premium Stainless Steel, Stackable Cups Long Handle Spoons Fits Narrow Jars, Kitchen Gadgets for Liquid & Dry Ingredients Cooking Baking
$32.98
$45.99
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Stainless Steel Measuring Cups And Measuring Spoons 10-Piece Set, 5 Cups And 5 Spoons
$13.95
$17.98
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A spatula will help you scrape down the sides of the food processor to incorporate all the ingredients evenly.
HOTEC Food Grade Silicone Rubber Spatula Set for Baking, Cooking, and Mixing High Heat Resistant Non Stick Dishwasher Safe BPA-Free Multicolor Set of 5
$9.59
$18.99
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Wilton Icing Spatula - 13-Inch Angled Cake Spatula for Smoothing Frosting on Treats or Spreading Filling Between Cake Layers, Steel
$7.98
$8.75
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Metal Spatula Stainless Steel and Scraper - Professional Chef Griddle Spatulas Set of 3 - Heavy Duty Accessories Great for Cast Iron BBQ Flat Top Grill Skillet Pan - Commercial Grade
$19.99
$22.99
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Variations
Gluten-Free Option: Simply ensure that all the ingredients, especially any packaged items like nuts or cheese, are labeled gluten-free. You can enjoy your pesto guilt-free on gluten-free pasta or as a zingy dressing for salads! 🌱
Vegan Option: Swap the Parmesan cheese for nutritional yeast or a vegan Parmesan alternative to make this delicious sauce fully plant-based. Enjoy it on whole grain bread or a hearty quinoa salad! 🌿
Faq
- Q: Can I use different nuts for the pesto?
A: Absolutely! Pine nuts are traditional, but you can use walnuts, almonds, or even cashews for a unique twist.
- Q: How can I store leftover pesto?
A: Store your pesto in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. For longer storage, transfer it to ice cube trays and freeze, so you can use it anytime!
- Q: What can I substitute if I don’t have fresh basil?
A: Fresh spinach or arugula can be used for a different flavor profile, or even a mix of fresh herbs like parsley and cilantro.
- Q: Can I make the pesto without a food processor?
A: Yes! You can chop the ingredients finely and mix them by hand, though it will take a bit more time and effort.
- Q: What if my pesto turns out too thick?
A: Just add a bit of olive oil or water and blend until you achieve your desired consistency!
- Q: How do I make my pesto creamier?
A: You can add a little more olive oil or even a tablespoon of lemon juice to create a smoother texture. Cream cheese can also be added for extra creaminess.
