Basil Pesto
Pesto is a bright flavorful sauce made from lots of fresh basil, garlic, Parmesan cheese and pine nuts. The word "pesto" derives from the fact that it used to be made with a mortar and pestle, but these days a food processor steps in to speed up the process.
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How to Make Pesto
Pesto traditionally refers to the basil based sauce that originated in Genoa, Italy, but you don't have to stick to...View Technique
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Basil Pesto
- Prep Time: 15 m
- Total Time: 15 m
- Servings: 4Makes ½ cup
Ingredients
- 1 clove garlic
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup pine nuts
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves
- 1/4 cup olive oil 1/4 cup more if needed
- squeeze of lemon juice
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Using a food processor, running with the lid on, drop the garlic and Parmesan cheese down the feed tube and process. Add the pine nuts and process again. Add the basil leaves. Drizzle in the olive oil slowly and process until everything comes together and the pesto is the consistency you’re looking for. Season to taste with lemon juice, salt and pepper. Set aside.
Nutrition Facts
Basil Pesto
Amount Per Serving (2 tablespoons)
Calories 207
Calories from Fat 189
% Daily Value*
Fat 21g32%
Saturated Fat 3g15%
Cholesterol 6mg2%
Sodium 242mg10%
Potassium 86mg2%
Carbohydrates 2g1%
Fiber 1g4%
Sugar 1g1%
Protein 4g8%
Vitamin A 685IU14%
Vitamin C 2.4mg3%
Calcium 91mg9%
Iron 1mg6%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Products Featured In This Recipe
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Looking forward to making this after I get the nuts…. Lots of basil waiting!!!😃👍
I made this thinking I would hate it! I do not like basil! It is awesome! I will continue to make it! Thank you Meredith!