“Fresh Basil Pesto Recipe 🌿 From Garden to Table (Fast & Foolproof)”

pine nuts

🥗Healthier: walnuts

💰Cheaper: sunflower seeds

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

parmesan cheese

🥗Healthier: nutritional yeast

💰Cheaper: grana padano

Grana padano is a more affordable cheese with a similar flavor profile.

pecorino cheese

🥗Healthier: nutritional yeast

💰Cheaper: grana padano

Grana padano can replace pecorino for a milder taste.

Start by preparing your ingredients. If the basil is from your own garden, you shouldn't need to wash it. Just make sure that there's no soil on the basil.

Pick the leaves off the stems, discarding the stems as they can be bitter.

Toast 2 tablespoons of pine nuts over medium heat until they begin to change color and the oil starts to release, watching carefully to avoid burning them.

Peel 2 cloves of garlic. Optionally, roast them in the oven with a coating of olive oil for about 15 minutes at 180° C for a sweeter flavor.

In a blender, add the toasted pine nuts and garlic, and pulse until they are fairly fine.

Add 2 cups of fresh basil to the blender and pulse again briefly.

Add 1/2 cup of grated Parmigiano reggiano and blend until combined.

Slowly drizzle in 1/2 cup of olive oil while blending to achieve your desired consistency, adding it a little at a time.

Optionally, squeeze in some lime juice at the very end for added flavor.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary

Allergens