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Pesto Sauce

A fresh and aromatic Italian basil sauce made with pine nuts, Parmesan, garlic, and olive oil.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Sauces & Dips
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 180
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pesto Base
  • 2 cups fresh basil leaves packed
  • 1/3 cup pine nuts
  • 3 cloves garlic
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese grated
  • 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Optional
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice optional

Equipment

  • food processor
  • Spatula
  • Measuring cups

Method
 

  1. Wash and dry the basil leaves thoroughly.
  2. Add basil, pine nuts, and garlic to a food processor and pulse until chopped.
  3. Add Parmesan, salt, and pepper.
  4. Slowly drizzle in olive oil while blending until smooth.
  5. Add lemon juice if desired and pulse once more.
  6. Taste, adjust seasoning, and serve immediately.

Notes

For brighter green pesto, add a teaspoon of ice water while blending and store with a thin layer of olive oil on top.