Homemade Pesto

Homemade pesto is a versatile and flavorful sauce that has been a staple in Italian cuisine for centuries. It is a simple yet delicious combination of fresh basil, pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil. The result is a vibrant green sauce with a rich and nutty flavor that can be used in a variety of dishes.

Homemade Pesto
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Prep Time:

15 mins

Total Time:

15 mins

Servings:

6

Yield:

6 servings

Ingredients

Homemade Pesto
4 cups packed fresh basil leaves
¼ cup Italian parsley
2 cloves garlic, peeled and lightly crushed
1 cup pine nuts
1 ½ cups shredded Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
½ cup extra-virgin olive oil, or more as needed
salt and ground black pepper to taste

Directions

Homemade Pesto

Step 1

Place basil, Italian parsley, and garlic into a food processor, pulse several times to combine, and process until basil is finely chopped, about 30 seconds. Add pine nuts to basil mixture; process until finely chopped, 30 more seconds. Process Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese into mixture until finely ground.

Step 2

Mix lemon juice into mixture with the machine running; slowly drizzle olive oil into pesto in the running machine until incorporated and pesto is thoroughly combined. Turn off machine and season pesto to taste with salt and black pepper.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

389

Calories

36g

Fat

5g

Carbs

14g

Protein

Complement

The beauty of homemade pesto lies in its simplicity and the ability to customize it to suit your taste preferences. Whether you prefer a more garlicky flavor, extra Parmesan cheese, or a touch of lemon juice for brightness, homemade pesto can be easily adapted to your liking. It can be used as a pasta sauce, spread on sandwiches, drizzled over grilled vegetables, or even used as a marinade for meats. The possibilities are endless, making homemade pesto a must-have in any home cook's repertoire. With just a few simple ingredients and a blender or food processor, you can whip up a batch of this delicious sauce in no time.