Basic Basil Pesto

Yields about 1 cup

by Molly Stevens
from Fine Cooking
Issue 38
Last Edit Date: 3/28/2012 1:13:25 PM

Traditionally pounded in a mortar and pestle, this intense sauce is quick work in a food processor. A little bit goes a long way, and it keeps well.

more about:

1/4 cup pine nuts
2 cloves garlic, smashed
Pinch salt
3 cups loosely packed basil leaves, stems removed
1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Chop the nuts, garlic, and salt in a food processor until fine. Add the basil and oil and process until smooth. Add the cheese and process to incorporate. Taste for salt.

Make Ahead Tips

Pesto freezes well for up to three months, but if you're planning to freeze it, omit the Parmesan, instead adding it to the thawed pesto just before using. To freeze, portion the pesto into ice cube trays or small plastic freezer bags so you can defrost only as much as you'll use at one time.

Variations

Parsley and walnut pesto: Make the basic recipe, substituting fresh parsley for the basil and walnuts for the pine nuts. For bigger flavor, lightly toast the walnuts first and add a bit of grated lemon zest to the sauce.

Cilantro and pumpkin seed pesto: Make the basic recipe, substituting cilantro for the basil, toasted pumpkin seeds for the pine nuts, and a neutral-tasting oil (grapeseed or vegetable) for the olive oil. Omit the cheese; add a bit more salt.

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by affy, 8/3/2011I've tried other recipes and have never been able to get the taste right. This recipe was perfect!!

by Leila215, 2/17/2011This recipe is foolproof and delicious! It's worth finding the best basil, pine nuts and parmesan since there are few ingredients and they are uncooked..the only thing I did differently was gently toast the pine nuts to enhance their flavor. Perfect.

by FSO, 8/24/2010So simple. So good. 'Nuff said.

by cherish, 7/6/2010While this sounded like it would be a tedious recipe, it actually was very easy to prepare and delicious! I will definitely be making this again.

by Vitriolic, 4/16/2009Fantastic! I only had half the required amount of pine nuts so I used walnuts for the balance - toasted all the nuts before throwing them in the processor. Delicious.