EASY BASIL PESTO with Pine Nuts, Parmesan Cheese, Garlic, Olive Oil | Recipe from Chef Victoria Love

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.

Harvest fresh basil from the window garden and cut down some basil.

Blanch the basil leaves in boiling water for 5 seconds, then transfer to an ice bath.

Spread the blanched basil on a sheet pan and toast in a 300°F oven for 8 minutes until light golden brown.

Add the garlic, blanched basil, pine nuts, and Parmesan cheese to the food processor and pulse a couple of times.

Scrape down the sides of the food processor, then drizzle in the olive oil while pulsing until combined.

Transfer the pesto to a container and drizzle olive oil on top to preserve it.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary

Allergens