Fresh Basil Pesto
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves, packed
- Juice from 1/2 lemon
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/3 cup pine nuts OR chopped walnuts
- 3 cloves garlic, minced (about 1 tablespoon)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt, or more to taste
- 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, or more to taste
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (about 2 ounces)
Step by Step Instructions
1. Pulse the garlic and nuts in a food processor or blender.
2. Add the basil leaves and lemon – pulse, add Parmesan. Scrape down the sides of the food processor with a rubber spatula.
3. While the food processor is running, slowly add the olive oil in a steady small stream. Adding the olive oil slowly while the processor is running will help it emulsify and help keep the olive oil from separating. Occasionally, stop to scrape down the sides of the food processor.
4. Add salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Toss with pasta for a quick sauce or cover and refrigerate.