Easy Basil Pesto with Pine Nuts and Parmesan Recipe

Introduction

This easy pesto recipe is a quick and flavorful way to add a fresh, vibrant touch to your meals. Made with basil, nuts, and Parmesan, it’s perfect for pasta, sandwiches, or as a dip.

Easy Basil Pesto with Pine Nuts and Parmesan Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

  • 50g pine nuts or cashews
  • Large bunch of basil, leaves picked
  • 50g Parmesan or vegetarian alternative
  • 1 garlic clove, chopped
  • 100ml olive oil

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Toast the nuts in a pan over low heat until they are golden and fragrant, being careful not to burn them.
  2. Step 2: Place the toasted nuts, basil leaves, Parmesan, and chopped garlic into a mini chopper or a large pestle and mortar.
  3. Step 3: Blitz or pound the ingredients together until you achieve a rough sauce texture.
  4. Step 4: Gradually add the olive oil while mixing, until the pesto reaches your desired consistency.
  5. Step 5: Use immediately or store in the fridge.

Tips & Variations

  • For a nuttier flavor, try using toasted walnuts or almonds instead of pine nuts or cashews.
  • If you prefer a smoother pesto, blend the ingredients longer until creamy.
  • Add a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the flavor and help preserve the green color.
  • Use nutritional yeast as a vegan substitute for Parmesan.

Storage

Store the pesto in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To prevent discoloration, pour a thin layer of olive oil on top before sealing. Reheat gently or add directly to hot dishes just before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I freeze pesto?

Yes, pesto freezes well. Portion it into ice cube trays, freeze solid, then transfer to a sealed bag for easy use later.

What can I use pesto for besides pasta?

Pesto is great as a spread on sandwiches, a topping for grilled meats or vegetables, mixed into salad dressings, or stirred into soups for extra flavor.

Print

Easy Basil Pesto with Pine Nuts and Parmesan Recipe

This easy pesto recipe combines toasted nuts, fresh basil, parmesan, garlic, and olive oil to create a vibrant and flavorful sauce perfect for pasta, sandwiches, or as a dip. Quick to make and versatile, it adds a fresh herbal touch to any meal.

  • Author: zara
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5 minutes
  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: Approximately 150ml of pesto 1x
  • Category: Sauce
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

Ingredients

  • 50g pine nuts or cashews
  • Large bunch of basil, leaves picked
  • 50g parmesan or vegetarian alternative
  • 1 garlic clove, chopped
  • 100ml olive oil

Instructions

  1. Toast Nuts: Place the pine nuts or cashews in a pan over low heat and toast them gently, stirring frequently until golden and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes to enhance their flavor.
  2. Prepare Ingredients: Once toasted, transfer the nuts to a mini chopper along with the fresh basil leaves, chopped garlic, and parmesan cheese or vegetarian alternative.
  3. Make Pesto: Blitz the mixture briefly to combine all ingredients into a rough sauce. Alternatively, use a large pestle and mortar to pound the ingredients together manually for a traditional texture.
  4. Add Olive Oil: Gradually pour the olive oil into the mix while chipping or pounding until you achieve the desired consistency of sauce.
  5. Store and Serve: Transfer the pesto to a container and refrigerate. It will keep fresh for up to three days in the fridge and can be served with pasta, bread, or as a condiment.

Notes

  • If you prefer a nuttier flavor, use pine nuts; for a creamier texture, cashews work well.
  • You can substitute parmesan with a vegetarian hard cheese to keep the recipe vegetarian.
  • Store pesto in an airtight container and drizzle a thin layer of olive oil on top to preserve freshness.
  • Fresh garlic is key for the authentic flavor, but if you prefer a milder taste, reduce the garlic amount.
  • Use the pesto within three days to enjoy the best flavor and avoid spoilage.

Keywords: pesto, easy pesto, basil sauce, homemade pesto, Italian sauce, basil pesto, vegetarian pesto, quick pesto

Did you make this recipe?

Share a photo and tag us — we can’t wait to see what you’ve made!

Similar Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating