How to Make Basil Pesto Perfectly | Chef Jean-Pierre

pine nuts

🥗Healthier: walnuts

💰Cheaper: sunflower seeds

Walnuts are more affordable and provide a similar texture.

Parmesan cheese

🥗Healthier: nutritional yeast

💰Cheaper: Grana Padano

Nutritional yeast is dairy-free and lower in calories.

Put garlic cloves in the food processor and puree them with olive oil until smooth.

Add a couple of cups of fresh basil leaves to the pureed garlic and oil.

Grate Parmesan cheese and add it to the mixture.

Add roasted pine nuts to the mixture.

Puree all ingredients together, adding more olive oil until the desired consistency is reached.

Add lemon juice to prevent oxidation, about 1 tablespoon.

Puree again until smooth and adjust the consistency with more olive oil if needed.

Transfer pesto to a container and cover with a layer of olive oil to preserve.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary

Allergens