Classic Basil Pesto recipe

One my absolute favorite things to make from my kitchen garden is a Classic Basil Pesto. 

I love pesto, and you can't beat this homemade version made with fresh picked basil, toasted pine nuts and a good strong Parmesan cheese. Once you taste it, you will never go back to buying a store bought version again!

Today I am sharing with you how to make it along with a few serving ideas.

 This recipe is very adaptable, so feel free to add more/less of the ingredients to taste!

Ingredients:

1/2 cup toasted pine nuts

4-5 cups of loosely packed fresh basil leaves

1/2 - 3/4 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese

1-2 cloves of garlic

Coarse salt

Fresh Ground pepper

1/2 cup of a good quality extra-virgin olive oil

 

To toast the pine nuts, pre-heat the oven to 350 degrees F. Spread the pine nuts on a baking sheets and toast for 5-8 minutes tossing occasionally, or toast in  a frying pan over medium -high heat, tossing often to prevent burning. In both cases, you will know the nuts are done when they are golden brown and fragrant.

Let cool completely.

Grate the Parmesan. Do yourself a favor and buy a good quality block of Parmesan Cheese and grate it yourself. The flavor is so much more intense than if you by the stuff that is already grated. Your efforts in this extra step will be rewarded in the end!!

In a food processor, combine the toasted pine nuts, basil, Parmesan, and garlic. Sprinkle with a good dose of salt and pepper.

Process until finely chopped. 

With the food processor running, pour the olive oil in a steady stream through the feed tube and process until smooth, and your done!

If you don't plan on using it right away, store the pesto in an air-tight container and make sure the top is covered with a thin film of olive oil. This prevents the pesto from browning and helps keep the vibrant green color. (Store in the fridge)

I always make a double batch and freeze the extra in ice cube trays. They make the perfect single portion that you can pop out of the freezer and enjoy any time!

Wondering how else to eat basil pesto besides tossed over al-dente pasta? Here's 2 of my favorite ways:

 Bon Appetite!!

 Sharing With:

Flaunt It Friday @ Chic on a Shoestring Decorating * Frugal Friday @ The Shabby Nest * Simply Link {Party} @ Simply Designing  * Fridays Unfolded @ Stuff and Nonsense  * Inspiration Friday @ The Picket Fence  * Weekend Wrap-up Party @ Tatertots & Jello *  Saturday Nite Special @ Funky Junk Interiors