This classic pesto combines basil leaves, garlic, pine nuts, and Parmesan cheese. It’s vibrant and colorful with bright, fresh flavor. The pesto is a paste-like mixture which can be called a condiment or sauce. It can be used as a spread on sandwiches or wraps, a topping for meat or fish, or as a sauce for pasta. Or swirl it into soup for flavor or as a garnish.
How to Store Pesto
- Refrigerate pesto in an airtight container and use it within 4 to 6 days.
- For longer storage, freeze fresh homemade pesto in ice cube trays, then pop the frozen cubes into a freezer bag. Label the bag with the name and date and freeze it for up to 6 months.
Classic Pesto
Explore the world of classic pesto! This recipe combines basil, garlic, pine nuts, and Parmesan for a versatile and delicious sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Sauces and Seasonings
- Method: Blend/Process
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves, packed
- 3 small cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1/4 cup pine nuts or chopped walnuts or pecans
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1/3 cup fresh grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- In a food processor, working in batches, process the basil leaves until finely chopped.
- Add the garlic and nuts and pulse about 6 to 8 times.
- Add about half of the olive oil pulse until blended.
- With the processor running, ad the remaining olive oil in a steady stream.
- Add the Parmesan cheese and process until well blended.
- Taste and add salt and pepper, as needed.
