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Basil & Parmesan Pesto

Delicious, flavorful fresh basil pesto makes a great addition to sandwiches, pizza, pasta, crackers, or baguettes.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes

Equipment

  • 1 Food Processor

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups Fresh Basil Leaves
  • 1/4 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese
  • 1 tbsp Minced Garlic
  • 1/4 cup Pine Nuts
  • 1/3 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • Salt and Pepper, to taste

Instructions
 

  • In the food processor, add the fresh basil leaves
  • Add the pine nuts and pulse the blender several times until well chopped and combined
  • Add the parmesan cheese and garlic to the food processor and pulse again several times until well combined. You may need to scrap the sides of the processor to combine all ingredients
  • Slowly pour the extra virgin olive oil while pulsing the processor to keep the olive oil from separating
  • Season with salt and pepper to taste
  • Serve immediately or refrigerate in a sealed container

Notes

This is one of those all-time classic basil pesto recipes.  There are so many possible variations or additions that make this recipe great. Here are some ideas on a few variations. But, I'd love to hear your ideas. Please share below!
Variations:
  • Walnuts instead of pinenuts
  • Combine with parlsey, spinach, or other leafy green
  • Mix in some lemon
  • Add crushed red pepper
  • ...the options are endless!