Easy Pesto Recipe
Introduction
This easy pesto recipe brings fresh basil, toasted nuts, and Parmesan together into a vibrant, flavorful sauce. Perfect for pasta, sandwiches, or as a dip, it’s quick to make and versatile in the kitchen.
Ingredients
- 50g pine nuts or cashews
- Large bunch of basil, leaves picked
- 50g Parmesan or vegetarian alternative
- 1 garlic clove, chopped
- 100ml olive oil
Instructions
- Step 1: Toast the nuts in a pan over low heat until they are lightly golden and fragrant, then remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Step 2: Place the toasted nuts, basil leaves, Parmesan, garlic, and olive oil into a mini chopper or blender.
- Step 3: Blitz the ingredients together into a rough sauce. Alternatively, use a large pestle and mortar to pound everything until well combined.
- Step 4: Serve immediately with your favorite dish or store in the fridge for up to three days.
Tips & Variations
- Replace pine nuts with walnuts for a different flavor and texture.
- Add a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the pesto.
- Use vegetarian Parmesan alternatives for a plant-based version.
- For a creamier pesto, add a tablespoon of Greek yogurt or cream cheese.
Storage
Store pesto in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To prevent discoloration, pour a thin layer of olive oil on top before sealing. Reheat gently, or enjoy it cold tossed with pasta or spread on bread.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I freeze pesto?
Yes, pesto freezes well. Portion it into ice cube trays, freeze, then transfer the cubes to a sealed bag. Use within 3 months and thaw in the fridge before use.
Can I use other herbs besides basil?
Absolutely. You can substitute basil with spinach, parsley, or rocket for varied flavors while keeping the pesto fresh and vibrant.
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Easy Pesto Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 150ml of pesto, serves 4 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This easy homemade pesto recipe combines fresh basil, pine nuts or cashews, parmesan cheese, garlic, and olive oil to create a vibrant and flavorful sauce perfect for pasta, sandwiches, or as a dip. It is quick to prepare by toasting nuts and blending all ingredients into a rough, aromatic sauce that can be stored in the fridge for up to three days.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 50g pine nuts or cashews
- Large bunch of basil, leaves picked
- 50g parmesan or vegetarian alternative
- 1 garlic clove, chopped
- 100ml olive oil
Instructions
- Toast the nuts: Place the pine nuts or cashews in a pan over low heat and toast them gently until they are golden and fragrant. Be careful not to burn them, stirring occasionally to ensure even toasting.
- Combine ingredients: Transfer the toasted nuts to a mini chopper or food processor. Add the basil leaves, parmesan or vegetarian alternative, and chopped garlic clove.
- Blend or pound the sauce: Blitz the ingredients until roughly combined, or alternatively, use a large pestle and mortar to pound them into a coarse sauce. Avoid over-blending to maintain texture.
- Add olive oil: Pour in the olive oil gradually while blending or stirring to incorporate it evenly, creating a smooth pesto sauce.
- Store the pesto: Transfer the pesto to an airtight container and refrigerate. It will keep fresh for up to three days, ready to be used as a delicious condiment or sauce.
Notes
- You can substitute pine nuts with cashews for a slightly different flavor and texture.
- Use a vegetarian parmesan alternative to make this pesto vegetarian-friendly.
- Fresh pesto is best consumed within three days to maintain flavor and freshness.
- Serve pesto with pasta, bread, grilled vegetables, or as a spread.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: pesto, basil sauce, homemade pesto, easy pesto recipe, Italian sauce, pine nuts pesto, cashew pesto, vegetarian pesto
