Homemade Pesto
Jump to recipeIt's easy being green, especially with this one-step, 5-minute recipe for everyone's favorite herby condiment.
Ingredients
- 3 cups loosely packed basil
- 1 large garlic clove, crushed with press
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup Grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts
- 2 tsp. lemon juice
- 1/4 tsp. Freshly ground black pepper
Directions
- Step 1In food processor or blender, pulse basil, garlic, olive oil, Parmesan cheese, toasted pine nuts, lemon juice and black pepper until smooth.
- Step 2Keep refrigerated for up to 3 days.
Looking to spice it up? Try out these variations.
Smoky Almond: Replace basil with parsley, pine nuts with blanched almonds and Parmesan with grated Manchego. Add 1/2 cup roasted red peppers and 1 teaspoon smoked paprika.
Spicy Cilantro: Omit cheese and lemon juice. Replace half of basil with cilantro and replace pine nuts with roasted unsalted peanuts. Add 1 tablespoon lime juice, 1 teaspoon sesame oil, 1 teaspoon grated ginger, 1 small serrano chile (seeded and chopped) and 1/2 teaspoon salt.
Hazelnut-Arugula: Replace basil with 2 1/2 cups arugula and 1/2 cup parsley, and replace pine nuts with hazelnuts. Add pinch nutmeg.
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