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Fresh Basil Pesto Recipe: A Flavorful Italian Classic

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This Fresh Basil Pesto is a vibrant, versatile sauce made with aromatic fresh basil, Parmesan cheese, pine nuts, and olive oil. Perfect for pasta, sandwiches, pizzas, and more, it adds a burst of fresh flavor to any dish.

Ingredients

2 cups fresh basil leaves, packed

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil

1/3 cup pine nuts

2 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Juice of half a lemon (optional)

Instructions

  1. Blend the Ingredients:
    • In a food processor, combine the fresh basil, Parmesan cheese, pine nuts, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Pulse until the ingredients are finely chopped.
    • Tip: For an extra depth of flavor, toast the pine nuts in a dry pan before adding them to the food processor.
  2. Add the Olive Oil:
    • While the food processor is running, slowly drizzle in the extra virgin olive oil. Continue blending until the mixture is smooth.
    • Tip: Adjust the olive oil based on your desired pesto consistency. For a thicker spread, use less oil; for a thinner consistency, add more.
  3. Taste and Adjust:
    • Taste the pesto and adjust the seasoning, if necessary. Add lemon juice for extra brightness and balance, and feel free to tweak the salt and pepper to your liking.
    • Tip: If the pesto is too thick, add a small splash of water to reach your desired consistency.

Notes

Variations:

Vegan Pesto: For a dairy-free version, replace Parmesan with nutritional yeast or a vegan cheese alternative.

Nut-Free Pesto: If you’re allergic to nuts, replace pine nuts with sunflower seeds or use a nut-free pesto recipe.

Other Herbs: Feel free to experiment by adding other herbs like parsley, mint, or arugula to create a unique pesto flavor.

Storage:

Refrigerator: Store pesto in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week. To prevent it from browning, top the pesto with a thin layer of olive oil before sealing the container.

Freezing: Freeze pesto in ice cube trays for individual portions. Once frozen, transfer the cubes to an airtight container and store for up to three months. Thaw individual portions as needed.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://chocolatecoveredamy.com/fresh-basil-pesto-recipe/