Pesto is incredibly easy to make and unbelievably delicious! It can be used on pasta, chicken, pizza, sautéed or roasted veggies, and sandwiches.
Ingredients
- 8 cups fresh basil leaves, packed (I usually triple the recipe for larger batches)
- 2 cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups olive oil
- 1 cup pine nuts
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (or 2 cloves fresh garlic)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt, more to taste
- 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, more to taste
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients
- Gather and measure all ingredients.
- Wash and thoroughly dry the basil leaves.
- Blend Basil and Pine Nuts
- In a food processor, combine the basil leaves and pine nuts.
- Pulse a few times until the basil is chopped and starts to create some moisture.
- Add Cheese and Garlic
- Add the Parmesan cheese and garlic powder (or fresh garlic).
- Pulse a few more times until well mixed.
- Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
- Incorporate Olive Oil
- While the food processor is running, gradually add the olive oil in a steady stream.
- Stop and scrape down the sides to ensure everything is well incorporated.
- Season
- Add the salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Pulse a few more times, then taste and adjust the seasoning as necessary.
- Store
- Transfer the pesto to small containers.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 7 days, or freeze up to 6 months.
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