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Top view of basil pesto in a glass jar.

Basil Pesto

Amy Duska
With just a handful of ingredients and minimal effort, you can create a delightful homemade pesto that will elevate your dishes to new levels!
5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 10 minutes
Blending 5 minutes
Servings 1 cup

Ingredients
 

  • 3 cups fresh basil leaves
  • 1 clove garlic
  • ¼ cup pine nuts
  • ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • teaspoon black pepper
  • ¼ cup olive oil see notes

Instructions
 

  • Wash the basil leaves. Place them into a salad spinner to help remove excess moisture. Spread the leaves onto a baking sheet lined with a clean kitchen towel. Use another clean towel to gently press down on the basil leaves to help dry the basil completely.
  • Process the basil, garlic cloves, pine nuts, parmesan, lemon juice, salt and pepper in a food processor until it starts to form a paste, scraping down the sides a few times.
  • With the processor running, pour the oil through the feed tube and process until incorporated. Taste the pesto and adjust seasonings if desired. Pour the pesto into a glass jar with a tight fitting lid.
  • If you are not using the pesto right away, pour a thin layer of olive oil over the top of the pesto before placing into the refrigerator. This will create a layer of protection to keep the pesto fresh for up to 3 weeks. To use, tilt the jar to the side to expose the pesto and use a spoon to remove the amount needed.

Video

Nutrition

Serving: 1tablespoonCalories: 53kcalCarbohydrates: 1gProtein: 1gFat: 5g