Craving a burst of fresh, herbaceous flavor that will transform your ordinary meals into extraordinary culinary experiences? Look no further than this incredibly simple, nut-free basil pesto recipe that will make your taste buds dance with joy! Whether you're managing nut allergies or simply want a classic Italian sauce with a twist, this pesto is about to become your new kitchen superhero.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 10 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 1 cup
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all the ingredients: 2 cups of fresh basil leaves, 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, 2 cloves of garlic, 1/2 cup of olive oil, and salt to taste.
- Rinse the fresh basil leaves under cold water to remove any dirt or impurities. Gently pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towel.
- Peel the garlic cloves and chop them roughly to help with blending. This will ensure they incorporate smoothly into the pesto.
- In a food processor, combine the fresh basil leaves, chopped garlic, and grated Parmesan cheese. Pulse the mixture a few times until it is coarsely chopped.
- With the food processor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil. This will help to emulsify the pesto and create a smooth consistency. Continue processing until the mixture is well blended and creamy.
- Stop the food processor and scrape down the sides with a spatula to ensure all ingredients are well combined. Pulse again if necessary.
- Taste the pesto and add salt to your preference. Blend again briefly to mix in the salt.
- Once the pesto reaches your desired consistency and flavor, transfer it to a clean jar or airtight container.
- Fresh basil pesto can be used immediately or stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. For longer storage, consider freezing it in ice cube trays for easy portioning.
Tips
- Use the freshest basil leaves possible - farmer's market or home-grown basil will elevate your pesto from good to phenomenal.
- Don't overprocess the ingredients. Pulse the mixture to maintain a slightly textured consistency that adds character to your sauce.
- For the best flavor, use high-quality extra virgin olive oil and freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
- If you're not using the pesto immediately, create a protective layer by adding a thin layer of olive oil on top before storing to prevent oxidation.
- Experiment with serving: use as a pasta sauce, spread on sandwiches, drizzle over roasted vegetables, or use as a dip for fresh bread.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 120kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 10mg
