Homemade Pesto Recipe
This week, I found inspiration in my kitchen as I sought to make something delicious out of leftovers. I whipped up a batch of homemade pesto, and it turned out to be a fantastic addition to the dish I prepared for my husband and I! We loved how the vibrant flavors came together, and it truly transformed our meal.
Stay tuned for that tasty recipe! In the meantime, this pesto is versatile and can be used in so many ways—tossed with pasta, spread on sandwiches, or even as a dip for fresh veggies. It’s a great way to elevate your meals and use up what you have on hand. Enjoy!
Ingredients:
-2 cups fresh basil leaves, packed
-1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
-1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
-1/3 cup pine nuts (or walnuts for a twist)
-2-3 garlic cloves, minced
-Lightly add salt and pepper, to taste
-Optional: juice of half a lemon for brightness
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Ingredients:
-Wash and dry the basil leaves thoroughly.
-Toast the pine nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes until golden (optional, but enhances flavor).
2. Blend the Ingredients:
-In a food processor, combine the basil, toasted pine nuts, garlic, and Parmesan cheese.
-Pulse a few times to break everything down.
3. Add Olive Oil:
-With the food processor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the mixture is smooth and creamy. You can adjust the amount of oil to achieve your desired consistency.
4. Season:
-Taste and season with salt, pepper, and lemon juice if using. Blend again to combine.
5. Store:
-Transfer the pesto to an airtight container, such as a mason jar. If not using immediately, drizzle a thin layer of olive oil on top to prevent browning. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week or frozen for longer storage.
Serving Suggestions:
-Toss with pasta
-Spread on sandwiches or toast
-Tune in next week to use this pesto in a sandwich recipe! One of my husband’s favorites!
-Drizzle over grilled chicken or fish
Pro tip: Freeze your pesto into ice cube trays for easy dethawing for your next recipe.
Enjoy your homemade pesto!
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