Perfect Basil Pesto

I can’t think of much that can make me as happy as a perfect basil pesto. I can’t help myself, I just LOVE pesto. Of course, it’s phenomenal tossed with some pasta, but it’s also excellent for topping chicken or fish. I even slather it on crostini for a quick snack. You can certainly buy frozen or jarred pesto in most supermarkets, but why bother? It is so incredibly easy to make.

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Perfect Basil Pesto

This is absolutely the most perfect basil pesto. It is the perfect way to enjoy fresh basil, and it brings so much flavor to chicken, fish or pasta.

Servings

Cups

Ingredients

• 2 cups fresh basil leaves, stems removed
• 2 Tbsp pine nuts, toasted
• 2 large cloves garlic
• pinch kosher salt
• 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Servings Cups Ingredients 2 cups fresh basil leaves, stems removed 2 Tbsp pine nuts, toasted 2 large cloves garlic pinch kosher salt 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. Add the pine nuts to a dry skillet and toast over medium-high heat just until they begin to turn a light golden brown. Cool.
2. Place the basil leaves, toasted pine nuts, garlic cloves, and a pinch of salt into the bowl of a food processor. Process until the mixture is very finely minced.
3. With the food processor running, very slowly drizzle the olive oil into the machine. Continue to process until the pesto is smooth.
4. Add the Parmesan cheese and briefly pulse a few times; just long enough to make sure that it is combined with the rest of the ingredients. Store the pesto in the refrigerator. The pesto can also be frozen.

Recipe Notes

Variations:

Make your pesto with walnuts instead of pine nuts for a unique twist on this wonderful sauce.

 

 

Spaghetti tossed with pesto is perfection!