Easy Pesto Recipe
Introduction
This easy pesto recipe is a vibrant and flavorful sauce perfect for adding a fresh twist to pasta, sandwiches, or salads. With just a handful of simple ingredients, you can whip up a delicious homemade pesto in minutes.
Ingredients
- 50g pine nuts or cashews
- Large bunch of basil, leaves picked
- 50g parmesan or vegetarian alternative
- 1 garlic clove, chopped
- 100ml olive oil
Instructions
- Step 1: Toast the nuts in a pan over low heat until they are lightly golden and fragrant, then remove from the heat.
- Step 2: Place the toasted nuts, basil leaves, parmesan, chopped garlic, and olive oil into a mini chopper or a large pestle and mortar.
- Step 3: Blitz or pound the ingredients together until you achieve a rough sauce with a slightly chunky texture.
Tips & Variations
- For a nut-free version, try substituting the nuts with sunflower seeds or omit them entirely.
- Add a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the flavor and help preserve the green color.
- If you prefer a smoother pesto, blend for longer until it reaches your desired consistency.
Storage
Store the pesto in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To help prevent discoloration, pour a thin layer of olive oil on top before sealing. When ready to use, stir the pesto to recombine and serve cold or gently warmed.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I freeze pesto?
Yes, pesto freezes well. Portion it into ice cube trays or small containers and freeze for up to three months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before use.
Can I use other herbs besides basil?
Absolutely! You can experiment with herbs like parsley, cilantro, or mint for different flavor profiles. Just keep in mind the taste will change accordingly.
PrintEasy Pesto Recipe
This easy pesto recipe combines toasted pine nuts or cashews with fresh basil, parmesan or a vegetarian alternative, garlic, and olive oil to create a vibrant, flavorful sauce perfect for pasta, sandwiches, or as a dip. The nuts are lightly toasted to enhance their flavor before blending, resulting in a fresh and aromatic pesto that can be prepared quickly and stored in the fridge for up to three days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 150ml of pesto (about 6 servings) 1x
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 50g pine nuts or cashews
- Large bunch of basil, leaves picked (approximately 50g)
- 50g parmesan or vegetarian alternative, grated
- 1 garlic clove, chopped
- 100ml olive oil
Instructions
- Toast the nuts: Heat a dry pan over low heat and toast the pine nuts or cashews gently, stirring frequently, until golden and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes. This enhances their flavor without burning them.
- Combine ingredients: Transfer the toasted nuts to a mini chopper or blender. Add the picked basil leaves, chopped garlic, and parmesan or vegetarian alternative to the nuts.
- Blend the pesto: Blitz the mixture briefly, then slowly pour in the olive oil while continuing to blend until a rough, slightly chunky sauce forms. Alternatively, use a large pestle and mortar to pound the ingredients into a coarse sauce, scraping the sides as needed for even blending.
- Store the pesto: Spoon the pesto into a clean jar or container and cover it tightly. It will keep fresh in the refrigerator for up to three days. For longer storage, cover the surface with a thin layer of olive oil before sealing.
Notes
- You can substitute pine nuts with cashews for a different but equally creamy texture.
- Using a vegetarian alternative to parmesan makes this recipe suitable for vegetarians.
- Ensure not to over-toast the nuts as they can become bitter.
- Store pesto in an airtight container topped with olive oil to prevent browning.
- Pesto can be used immediately or chilled and served within three days for best freshness.
Keywords: pesto, easy pesto, basil sauce, homemade pesto, italian sauce, pine nuts, cashews, garlic pesto
