Ingredients
2 cups fresh basil leaves, packed
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
1/3 cup pine nuts
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 tsp salt, or to taste
1/8 tsp black pepper
Instructions
Step 1: Toast the pine nuts in a small, dry skillet over medium-low heat for 3-5 minutes, tossing frequently until golden brown and fragrant.
Step 2: Combine the toasted pine nuts, garlic, and salt in a food processor and pulse several times until the nuts are finely ground.
Step 3: Add the fresh basil leaves to the food processor and pulse until the leaves are coarsely chopped.
Step 4: While the food processor is running on low, slowly drizzle in the extra virgin olive oil in a steady stream until the mixture is smooth and emulsified.
Step 5: Add the grated Parmesan cheese and black pepper, then pulse briefly just until the cheese is incorporated. Do not over-process.
Step 6: Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container with a thin layer of olive oil on top.
Notes
To keep the pesto from browning, blanch the basil leaves in boiling water for 10 seconds, then immediately shock them in ice water and dry thoroughly before blending.
- Prep Time: 10M
- Cook Time: 0M
- Category: Main Dishes & Savory Recipes
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 cup
- Calories: 265 kcal
- Sugar: 0.5g
- Sodium: 185mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 4.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 21g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 10mg