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Classic Basil Pesto
Dive into the vibrant world of Italian cuisine with this luscious basil pesto! This classic recipe captures the essence of fresh basil, aromatic garlic, and rich Parmesan cheese, all blended together with nutty pine nuts and fruity extra virgin olive oil. Perfect for tossing with pasta, spreading on crusty sandwiches, or serving as a dip for fresh vegetables, this pesto adds a burst of flavor to any dish. Originating from the Liguria region of Italy, pesto has been delighting taste buds since at least the 19th century, with its name derived from the Italian word 'pestare,' meaning to crush or pound, reflecting the traditional method of preparation in a mortar and pestle.
Ingredients
- Fresh basil leaves
- 2 cups, packed
- Garlic cloves
- 2, peeled
- Pine nuts
- 1/4 cup, toasted
- Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup, grated
- Extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 cup
- Salt
- 1/2 teaspoon, or to taste
- Black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon, or to taste
Instructions
- In a food processor, combine the fresh basil leaves, peeled garlic cloves, toasted pine nuts, grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper.
- Pulse the mixture until it is coarsely chopped, scraping down the sides as necessary to ensure even mixing.
- With the food processor running, gradually drizzle in the extra virgin olive oil until the pesto reaches a smooth and creamy consistency.
- Taste the pesto and adjust the seasoning with additional salt or black pepper if desired.
- Transfer the pesto to a clean jar or airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to one week. For longer storage, consider freezing the pesto in ice cube trays and transferring the frozen cubes to a zip-top bag for future use.
- Serve the pesto with freshly cooked pasta, as a spread on sandwiches, or as a flavorful dip for fresh vegetables or crusty bread.
Tips
- For a twist on the traditional recipe, consider adding sun-dried tomatoes or spinach for extra flavor and nutrition.
- If you have nut allergies, try substituting the pine nuts with sunflower seeds or omit them altogether.
- To enhance the flavor, use aged Parmesan cheese for a richer taste.
Dietary Information
Servings: 8 Dish Type: Sauce Prep Time: 15 minutes Calories: 150 Fat: 14g Carbs: 2g Protein: 5g Sodium: 200mg Sugar: 0g
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