Basil Pesto Recipe

pine nuts

🥗Healthier: walnuts

💰Cheaper: sunflower seeds

Walnuts provide a similar texture and flavor at a lower cost.

parmesan cheese

🥗Healthier: nutritional yeast

💰Cheaper: grated pecorino

Nutritional yeast is lower in calories and adds a cheesy flavor.

Harvest fresh basil from your garden.

Gather all your ingredients: fresh basil, Parmigiano Reggiano or Grana Padano, pine nuts, lemon zest, garlic, olive oil, salt, and crushed red pepper.

Toast the pine nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat, shaking or stirring occasionally until they are aromatic and shiny, being careful not to burn them.

Place the basil, toasted pine nuts, lemon zest, garlic, and crushed red pepper in the bowl of a food processor.

Process these ingredients until finely chopped, almost like a puree.

With the processor running, drizzle in the olive oil to emulsify the mixture into a creamy texture.

Add the grated Parmesan cheese and salt, then pulse briefly to combine.

Transfer the pesto to an airtight jar and drizzle a little olive oil over the top to limit air exposure.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary

Allergens