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Classic Pesto Recipe

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4.7 from 438 reviews

A quick and easy classic pesto recipe featuring toasted pine nuts and garlic blended with fresh basil, olive oil, and Parmesan cheese for a vibrant and flavorful sauce perfect for pasta, sandwiches, or dips.

Ingredients

Units Scale

Toasting Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup Pine Nuts plus 1 1/2 tablespoons
  • 3 Cloves Garlic unpeeled

Main Pesto Ingredients

  • 3 cups Fresh Basil packed
  • 1/4 cup Olive Oil plus 1-2 tablespoons
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan Cheese plus 2 Tablespoons, grated
  • Salt to taste

Instructions

  1. Toast Pine Nuts and Garlic: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add the pine nuts and unpeeled garlic cloves. Toast for a few minutes or until the pine nuts turn golden brown, shaking the pan occasionally to ensure even toasting.
  2. Separate Toasted Ingredients: Remove the pine nuts from the pan once toasted. Continue to toast the garlic until fragrant and lightly browned, then remove from the pan and peel off their skins when cool enough to handle.
  3. Blend Pesto Base: Allow the toasted pine nuts and garlic to cool completely. In a blender, combine the fresh basil, cooled pine nuts, peeled garlic, and olive oil. Pulse until the mixture is smooth but retains a slightly grainy texture, indicating fresh, rustic pesto.
  4. Mix in Cheese and Season: Transfer the blended pesto to a bowl and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Add salt to taste, adjusting seasoning as desired before serving or storing.

Notes

  • Toast pine nuts carefully to prevent burning, as burnt nuts will impart bitterness.
  • Using fresh basil packed tightly enhances the pesto’s vibrant flavor and color.
  • You can adjust olive oil quantity to achieve desired sauce consistency.
  • Store pesto in an airtight container in the refrigerator; cover the surface with a thin layer of olive oil to preserve freshness and prevent oxidation.
  • Pesto freezes well; divide into small portions and freeze for up to 3 months.

Find it online: https://yummelle.com/classic-pesto-recipe/