Best Pesto
Looking for a quick and easy pesto recipe? This no-fuss guide lets you create a delicious sauce in just a few minutes that is perfect for any meal.
Servings 2 cups
Ingredients
- 2 cups basil
- 2 tablespoons pine nuts toasted
- 2 cloves garlic peeled
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese
- pinch of salt
Instructions
- Wash the basil leaves and pat them dry. Peel the garlic cloves.
- In your blender or food processor, combine the basil leaves, pine nuts, and garlic cloves. Pulse a few times to chop everything up.
- Pour in the lemon juice and olive oil. Blend until the mixture is mostly smooth. You might need to scrape down the sides a bit.
- Add in the grated Parmesan and a pinch of salt. Blend again until everything is well combined and reaches your desired consistency.
- Give it a taste test. If it needs more salt, lemon, or cheese, now’s the time to add and blend again.
Notes
- Toast the Pine Nuts: Gently toast the pine nuts in a dry skillet until golden. This enhances their nutty flavor and adds a great depth to the pesto.
- Cold Basil Leaves: Use cold basil leaves straight from the fridge. The cool temperature helps retain the vibrant green color when blended.
- Stream in the Oil: For a smoother texture, slowly drizzle the olive oil into the blender or food processor while it’s running. This emulsifies the oil, creating a creamier pesto.
- Adjust Consistency: If your pesto is too thick, add a bit more olive oil. For a thinner sauce, perfect for drizzling, a splash of water works well too.
- Cheese Last: Add the Parmesan cheese at the end. This prevents it from becoming overly pulverized, which can make the pesto gritty.