BASIL PESTO

About

Brenda Gantt

I am a self-taught cook. I started cooking around 18 years old. I stood in the kitchen and watched my mother, who was my biggest inspiration at the time, cook.

In the summer, when fresh basil is plentiful, make extra pesto and freeze it in small containers so you can use it
throughout the year.

MAKES ABOUT 1&1/2 CUPS

 

INGREDIENTS

  • 1 cup packed fresh basil leaves
  • ⅓ cup freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
  • 2 tablespoons pine nuts
  • 2 garlic cloves
  • ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil

 

INSTRUCTIONS

  1. In the bowl of a food processor or blender, pulse together the basil, cheese, pine nuts, and garlic to break up the ingredients.
  2. With the machine running, add the oil, a few drops at a time, until the pesto begins to come together; this pesto will be a thin sauce.
  3. Transfer any leftover pesto to a storage container and float a little olive oil on the top.
  4. Refrigerate for up to 2 weeks or freeze for up to 4 months.
  5. Stir the oil into the pesto when ready to use and bring to room temperature before using.

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