Recipes

Classic Basil Pesto
  • Ingredients
  • 2 cups lightly packed fresh basil leaves
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/4 cup pine nuts or walnuts
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons freshly grated Pecorino Romano cheese
  • 1/2 cup olive oil
  • salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
Directions
  1. Wash, pat dry, and stem the basil leaves
  2. Put basil, garlic, pine nuts and salt in a mortar, blender or food processor
  3. Pulverize until you have a smooth paste
  4. Add the cheese and mix until thoroughly combined
  5. Slowly blend in the olive oil
  6. Salt and pepper to taste
  7. Let stand for 5 minutes. When basil is out of season, try parsley instead
  8. Thin the pesto with a few tablespoons of cream or hot pasta cooking water before tossing with hot pasta
  9. Makes about 1 cup and serves 4.


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