Description
Ina Garten’s classic pesto recipe blends fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, and parmesan into a creamy Italian sauce. Chefs can easily mix these ingredients for a quick, flavorful pasta companion that elevates simple meals with Mediterranean charm.
Ingredients
Scale
- 5 cups (1180 ml) fresh basil leaves, packed
- 1 cup (240 ml) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1.5 cups (360 ml) olive oil
- ¼ cup (30 g) walnuts
- ¼ cup (30 g) pignolis (pine nuts)
- 3 tbsps (45 ml) chopped garlic (9 cloves)
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Nutty Foundation: In a food processor, pulverize walnuts, pine nuts, and garlic until achieving a rough, granular texture that releases aromatic oils and creates a robust base for the pesto.
- Herbal Infusion: Add basil leaves, kosher salt, and black pepper, pulsing to distribute flavors and unlock the herb’s vibrant essence while creating a harmonious initial blend.
- Emulsification Process: Steadily drizzle extra virgin olive oil through the feed tube while processing, transforming the mixture into a silky, emerald-green sauce with a luxurious, glossy consistency.
- Cheese Integration: Introduce Parmesan cheese, blending thoroughly until the sauce reaches a creamy, uniform texture that balances nutty, herbal, and salty dimensions.
- Storage and Preservation: Transfer pesto to an airtight glass container, smoothing the surface and layering a protective olive oil film to prevent discoloration. Refrigerate for up to one week or freeze in portioned containers for extended enjoyment.
Notes
- Maximize Nut Flavor: Toast walnuts and pine nuts briefly before processing to enhance their nutty depth and release natural oils, intensifying the pesto’s overall taste.
- Prevent Basil Browning: Process basil leaves quickly to maintain bright green color and prevent oxidation, which can cause bitter undertones and dull appearance.
- Olive Oil Quality Matters: Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil for authentic flavor; lower-grade oils can introduce harsh or flat taste profiles.
- Storage Smart Technique: Always cover pesto’s surface with a thin olive oil layer when storing to prevent discoloration and preserve fresh herbal essence.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Snacks, Appetizer, Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 240 mg
- Fat: 54 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 46 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg