Traditional Basil Pesto | Gennaro Contaldo

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.

Do not wash the fresh basil leaves to avoid losing flavor and getting water inside.

Add 40 g of fresh basil leaves to a food processor.

Add 1 clove of garlic and a pinch of salt to the processor.

Add 15 g of pine nuts to the mixture.

Blend the ingredients until combined, stopping to check the consistency and smell.

Slowly drizzle in 80 ml of extra virgin olive oil while blending, being careful not to overheat the basil.

Add 55 g of grated Parmesan cheese and 30 g of pecorino cheese to the mixture and blend until smooth.

Squeeze in some lemon juice to taste, noting that it's optional but adds flavor.

Taste the pesto and adjust seasoning if necessary.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary

Allergens