Learn how to make your own delicious homemade pesto with this easy recipe. Made with fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil, this pesto is bursting with flavor. Use it as a sauce for pasta, as a spread for sandwiches, or as a dip for vegetables. It's a versatile and tasty condiment that you can easily whip up at home!
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1/2 cup pine nuts
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
- In a food processor, combine the basil leaves, garlic, pine nuts, and Parmesan cheese. Pulse until coarsely chopped.
- With the food processor running, slowly pour in the olive oil. Continue blending until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Taste and season with salt and pepper as desired.
- Transfer the pesto to a jar or airtight container and refrigerate until ready to use.
- Serve the homemade pesto on pasta, spread it on sandwiches, or use it as a dip for vegetables. Enjoy!
Interesting Facts
Pesto originated in Genoa, Italy, and is traditionally made with a mortar and pestle.
The word 'pesto' comes from the Italian word 'pestare,' which means to pound or crush.
Fresh basil is the key ingredient in pesto and gives it its vibrant green color and fragrant flavor.