basil pesto

Basil pesto is a delicious and versatile sauce that can be used in pasta dishes, on sandwiches, as a dip, or as a topping for various dishes. Here’s a classic basil pesto recipe:

Ingredients:

2 cups fresh basil leaves, packed

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil

1/3 cup pine nuts or walnuts

3 garlic cloves, peeled

Salt and pepper, to taste

1/2 cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese (optional, for added flavor)

Lemon juice (optional, for a hint of brightness)

Instructions:

Toast the Nuts (Optional): If you like, you can toast the pine nuts or walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes until they become fragrant. Make sure to watch them carefully and stir frequently to prevent burning. Allow them to cool before using.

Prepare the Basil: Wash and dry the fresh basil leaves. It’s essential to use fresh basil for the best flavor. Remove any thick stems.

Combine Ingredients: In a food processor, combine the basil leaves, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic cloves, and toasted nuts (if you toasted them). You can also add a squeeze of lemon juice at this stage for some brightness. Pulse the ingredients until they are finely chopped.

Stream in Olive Oil: With the food processor running, slowly stream in the extra-virgin olive oil. Continue to process until the mixture is smooth and well combined. You may need to stop and scrape down the sides of the bowl with a spatula as needed.

Add Pecorino Romano (Optional): If you’re using Pecorino Romano cheese, add it to the food processor and pulse to combine. Pecorino Romano adds a slightly salty and tangy flavor to the pesto.

Season: Taste the pesto and season with salt and pepper to your liking. Remember that Parmesan and Pecorino Romano are salty, so be cautious with the salt until you’ve tasted it.

Store or Use: You can use the pesto immediately or store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To prevent browning, you can press a layer of plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the pesto before sealing the container.

Basil pesto is incredibly versatile and can be used in various recipes. Some popular uses include mixing it with cooked pasta, spreading it on sandwiches or toast, drizzling it over grilled vegetables or chicken, or using it as a dip for bread. Enjoy your homemade basil pesto!