Basil pesto sauce in a bowl next to other ingredients
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2 from 1 vote

Classic Basil Pesto Recipe

Now make this low-cost pesto sauce at home!
Prep Time15 mins
Total Time15 mins
Course: Condiment
Cuisine: Italian
Keyword: basil pesto
Appliance: Blender, Refrigerator
Servings: 2 cups

Ingredients

  • 2 cups basil leaves (fresh)
  • 1/2 cup pine nuts
  • 4-5 cloves garlic (chopped)
  • 1/2 cup parmesan cheese (grated)
  • 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • salt (to taste)
  • black pepper (to taste)

Instructions

  • In a food processor, mix basil leaves, pine nuts, garlic, and cheese.
  • Blend the ingredients well. You will need to scrape down the sides in between a few times.
    A close-up shot of spoon in a food processor filled with pesto
  • With the processor on low, slowly pour in the olive oil until you get a smooth consistency.
    Pouring oil from a bottle in a bowl
  • Then add some salt and pepper as per taste and mix it well.
  • Adjust seasoning and store it in air-tight jars. Use it as a dip to go well with your chips, or as a base for your pasta and you're sorted!

Notes

If stored in an air-tight jar, it will stay good in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks and in the freezer for 3-4 months.