Basil Pesto with Pine Nuts or Walnuts: Recipe

Perfect your culinary creations with our delicious basil pesto recipe featuring a choice of pine nuts or walnuts. This versatile pesto, bursting with fresh basil, adds a delightful twist to pasta dishes, sandwiches, salads, and more. Whether you prefer the rich and buttery taste of pine nuts or the earthy and robust flavor of walnuts, this basil pesto is guaranteed to awaken your taste buds and elevate your meals to gourmet status.

Versatile and easy to make, our basil pesto can be whipped up in minutes using a food processor or blender. Simply combine fresh basil leaves, garlic, your choice of nuts, Parmesan, and olive oil, then blend until smooth and creamy. Adjust the consistency and seasoning to your preference, and voilà – your homemade basil pesto is ready to take your dishes to new heights. Need a quick meal? Toss your favorite pasta with this pesto for a speedy lunch or dinner option.

Enjoy your homemade basil pesto with pine nuts or walnuts tossed with pasta, spread on sandwiches, drizzled over grilled meats or vegetables, or as a delicious dip for fresh, crusty bread.

Recipe

Ingredients in this recipe

• 2 cups fresh basil leaves, packed
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
• 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1/3 cup pine nuts or walnuts (toasted for extra flavor, if desired)
• 3 to 4 cloves of garlic, chopped
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Step-by-step instructions

Step 1

• If using walnuts, toast them in a dry pan over medium heat for a few minutes until fragrant, then set aside to cool.

Step 2

• In a food processor, combine the basil leaves, pine nuts or walnuts, minced garlic, and grated Parmesan cheese. Pulse a few times until the ingredients are finely chopped.

Step 3

• With the food processor running, gradually pour in the olive oil in a steady stream until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Stop occasionally and scrape down the sides of the bowl with a spatula as needed.

Step 4

• Season the pesto with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Blend again until all ingredients are fully incorporated and the pesto reaches the desired consistency.

Step 5

• Taste the finished pesto and adjust the seasoning or add more olive oil if needed to achieve the desired flavor and consistency.

Step 6

• Transfer the basil pesto to a clean glass or airtight container. Store the pesto in the refrigerator for up to a week or freeze it in ice cube trays for longer storage. To use frozen pesto, simply thaw it in the refrigerator or at room temperature before serving.