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Presto Pesto

This is a simple recipe for homemade basil pesto using very few ingredients.  There are many variations of pesto you can make by adding or changing out ingredients.  Toss it in some pasta, add it to a sandwich, stir it in some soup... the options are endless!

Cuisine Italian
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Author chifriendlyeats

Ingredients

  • 2 cups fresh basil packed (about 2 large bunches)
  • 2 Tbsp pine nuts (optional: toast in dry pan to bring out the flavor)
  • 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1/2 cup parmesan cheese (optional)
  • salt to taste
  • freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Combine basil leaves, pine nuts, salt and pepper in food processor or blender until finely minced.

  2. With machine running, slowly dribble in the oil and process until the mixture is blended.

  3. If including cheese, add it at this time and pulse briefly to combine. Taste and adjust salt/pepper accordingly. Use immediately or store in refrigerator. This recipe without cheese freezes well in ice cube trays. Once frozen, store in sealable freezer bag.