Description
Ina Garten’s classic basil pesto blends fresh Italian flavors into a silky sauce perfect for pasta, sandwiches, and appetizers. Garden-fresh basil leaves mix with pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil to create an authentic Mediterranean delight you’ll want to drizzle on everything.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 5 cups (1.2 liters) fresh basil leaves
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) freshly grated Parmesan
- 1 ½ cups (360 milliliters) good olive oil
Nuts and Seasonings:
- ¼ cup (60 milliliters) walnuts
- ¼ cup (60 milliliters) pignoli (pine nuts)
- 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) freshly ground black pepper
Aromatics:
- 3 tablespoons (45 milliliters) chopped garlic (9 cloves)
Instructions
- Prepare the nuts and garlic by combining walnuts, pine nuts, and peeled garlic cloves in a food processor. Pulse the mixture for 30 to 40 seconds until the ingredients are finely and uniformly chopped.
- Introduce fresh basil leaves, kosher salt (about 1/2 teaspoon or 2.5 grams), and freshly ground black pepper to the food processor. These seasonings will enhance the overall flavor profile of the pesto.
- Gradually stream extra-virgin olive oil (approximately 1/2 cup or 120 milliliters) into the running food processor. Continue blending until the mixture develops a smooth, cohesive consistency.
- Incorporate freshly grated Parmesan cheese (about 1/2 cup or 50 grams) into the processor. Blend for an additional 45 to 60 seconds, ensuring the cheese is completely integrated and the texture remains creamy.
- Taste and adjust seasonings if needed, adding more salt, pepper, or olive oil to achieve the desired flavor intensity and texture.
- Transfer the pesto to an airtight container. For immediate use, serve at room temperature. If storing, cover the surface with a thin layer of olive oil to prevent discoloration and refrigerate for up to 5 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.
Notes
- Unlock intense flavor by bringing all ingredients to room temperature before blending.
- Toasting nuts gently releases deeper nutty aromatics and enhances overall sauce complexity.
- Customize seasoning with salt and pepper to match your personal taste preferences.
- Versatile sauce transforms simple dishes from pasta and sandwiches to grilled meats and salads.
- Preserve freshness by storing in airtight containers with a protective olive oil layer.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Snacks, Appetizer
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 451
- Sugar: 0.5 g
- Sodium: 190 mg
- Fat: 49 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 36 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 18 mg