Easy Pesto with Basil, Pine Nuts, and Parmesan Recipe
A quick and easy homemade pesto recipe featuring toasted nuts, fresh basil, parmesan, garlic, and olive oil, perfect for elevating pasta, sandwiches, and more with a fresh, vibrant flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 150ml pesto 1x
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients
- 50g pine nuts or cashews
- 1 large bunch of basil, leaves picked
- 50g parmesan or vegetarian alternative
- 1 garlic clove, chopped
- 100ml olive oil
Instructions
- Toast the Nuts: Heat a dry pan over low heat and gently toast the pine nuts or cashews until golden and fragrant, taking care not to burn them. Remove from the pan and let cool.
- Combine Ingredients: Place the toasted nuts, basil leaves, chopped garlic, and parmesan cheese into a mini chopper or a large pestle and mortar.
- Blend the Pesto: Blitz the ingredients together until roughly combined if using a chopper, or pound with the pestle until you achieve a coarse sauce texture.
- Add Olive Oil: Gradually drizzle in the olive oil while mixing or blending to create a smooth but textured sauce.
- Store: Transfer the pesto into an airtight container and refrigerate. It will keep fresh for up to three days in the fridge.
Notes
- Use either pine nuts or cashews depending on your preference or availability.
- For a vegetarian option, substitute parmesan with a vegetarian-friendly cheese alternative.
- Adjust the garlic quantity based on your taste preference.
- Store pesto in an airtight container and cover with a thin layer of olive oil to help preserve freshness.
- Best consumed within three days for optimal flavor and freshness.
Keywords: pesto, basil sauce, quick pesto, homemade pesto, pine nuts, cashew pesto, Italian sauce, easy sauce recipe
