How to Make Basil Pesto

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.

Take all the basil leaves off the stems and place them in a food processor.

Optionally add garlic scapes for flavor.

Add one small garlic clove to the processor.

Toast pine nuts and walnuts in a 350 degree oven before adding them to the processor.

Add Parmesan cheese to the mixture in the food processor.

Add lemon juice for acidity to enhance flavors and preserve color.

Add salt to balance and bring out the flavors.

Pour in extra virgin olive oil, starting with less and adding more to achieve desired consistency.

Pulse the mixture in the food processor, checking for texture and taste as you go.

Transfer the pesto into small jars, filling them up and adding a thin layer of olive oil on top to preserve it.

Seal the jars and freeze them for long-term storage.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary

Allergens