Italian Recipes - Classic Pesto Recipe

  
 

Italian Recipes - Classic Pesto

Ingredients     

  • 1/3 to 1/2 cup olive oil

  • 2 cups firmly packed fresh basil leaves (2 1/2 ounces)

  • 1/2 cup pine nuts

  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan or Romano cheese (2 ounces)

  • 3 or 4 cloves garlic, peeled and quartered

  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

  • Black pepper

Method:

  1. In a food processor or blender combine 1/3 cup of the olive oil, the basil, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, garlic, and salt.

  2. Cover and process or blend until nearly smooth, stopping and scraping side as necessary and adding enough of the remaining oil to make desired consistency. Season to taste with black pepper.

MAKE AHEAD DIRECTIONS: Prepare as directed. Divide pesto into three portions. Place each portion in a small airtight container; seal. Refrigerate for 1 to 2 days or freeze for up to 3 months.