Pesto alla Genovese Ricetta (Easy Homemade Pesto Recipe)
Indulge in the vibrant flavors of this easy homemade pesto, where fragrant basil leaves, toasted pine nuts, aged parmesan, and a touch of garlic harmonize in this beautiful Italian sauce.
Servings 14
Calories 163kcal
Ingredients
- ½ cup pine nuts (60g/2oz)
- 3.5 oz. parmesan (100g) or Parmigiano Reggiano
- 2 basil plants (85g/3oz), about 4 cups of loose basil leaves, no stems
- ¾ cup extra virgin olive oil (145ml/5oz)
- 2 garlic cloves
- ½ teaspoon kosher (2.84g), or mined mineral salt
Instructions
- Place pine nuts and garlic on sheet pan and toast in the oven on 425 for 5-7 minutes. You can also do this in a skillet on the stovetop. Indicators of readiness are the fragrant smells of nuttiness and a warm golden-brown color on the pine nuts. Set aside to cool.
- Place all of the ingredients in a food processor and blend to a rugged smoothness, leaving visual texture. Adjust thickness with a drizzle more of olive oil if you feel the pesto is too thick. You can always add more evoo (extra virgin olive oil), but you can not take away olive oil.
- Serve on pasta with a dash of cream, in grilled cheese, on crostini bites, add to your favorite ranch dressing. Whatever suits your fancy.
Notes
- The one thing about produce is, mother nature never grows uniformly. So be sure to use about 3 ounces of fresh loose-leaf basil pulled from the stem, about two store-bought plants. I grow basil in the summer, so weighing is an easy way to arrive at an accurate measurement.
- Pesto lasts up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator. Store by placing it in a jar and topping it off with some extra EVOO to keep the surface from browning.
- Freezing leftovers: You can freeze them in single portions for later use.
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons (28g)
Nutrition
Serving: 14serving | Calories: 163kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 10g | Cholesterol: 5mg | Sodium: 197mg | Potassium: 37mg | Fiber: 0.2g | Sugar: 0.2g | Vitamin A: 60IU | Vitamin C: 0.2mg | Calcium: 86mg | Iron: 0.4mg