Classic Basil Pesto
Get ready for the summer flavors with homemade basil pesto. Learn how to make a classic and delicious pesto sauce from scratch.
Equipment
- 1 food processor or blender
Ingredients
- 2 c fresh basil packed, stems removed
- 1/3 c pine nuts
- 1/2 c olive oil
- 1/2 c parmesan freshly grated
- 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice juice of 1/2 a lemon
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
Instructions
- (Optional, but highly recommended) Place nuts into a small frying pan on medium-low heat for 3-5 minutes, stirring often so they don’t burn. Remove from heat and allow to cool while you prepare the rest of the ingredients.
- To a blender or food processor add all ingredients except olive oil and basil.
- Blend until it reaches your preferred consistency (I blend until smooth).
- Add in basil leaves and mix (helps with the blending).
- If using a food processor, you can add the olive oil gradually. If using a blender, I find that it's okay to add in the oil and basil at the same time.
- Pulse/blend until the basil leaves reaches your desired size/consistency. Do not over blend! You do not want the mixture completely smooth.