Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Classic Basil Pesto

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star No reviews
  • Author: Liz Sloan

Ingredients

Scale

1/3 cup walnuts

2 large garlic cloves, roughly chopped

2 cups packed fresh basil leaves (you can substitute ½ cup parsley for lighter flavor and a bolder green color)

½ teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon ground black pepper

¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper

2/3 cup extra virgin olive oil

½ cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano

Juice from ½ a lemon


Instructions

Not necessary but adds flavor: Lightly toast walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 5 minutes. Place the walnuts and garlic in the bowl of a food processor fitted with a steel blade. Process until coarsely chopped, about 10 seconds.

Add the basil leaves, salt, pepper and cayenne and process until mixture resembles a paste, about 1 minute.

With the processor running, slowly pour the olive oil through the feed tube and process until the pesto is thoroughly blended. 

Add the Parmesan and lemon juice and process a minute more. Taste and season with additional salt and pepper as needed. 

Use pesto immediately or store in a tightly sealed jar or air-tight plastic container, covered with a thin layer of olive oil (this seals out the air and prevents the pesto from oxidizing and turning brown.) It will keep in the refrigerator for about a week.

Freeze it for winter! Pesto can be frozen in an airtight container for up to 6 months. You can also divide your prepared pesto into the compartments of an ice cube tray and freeze. Once it’s frozen, remove the pesto cubes from the tray and put in a sealable plastic bag or airtight container. You can add the defrosted pesto cubes to soups, pasta dishes, eggs, sandwiches, and potatoes. I use them all winter long! 


Pin It on Pinterest

Share This