Forget ordering take out - you can make this at home and love it!
Special note: You will need a food processor for this.
As always, bold italicized are suggestions and hints.
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves
- 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan-reggiano or romano cheese
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/3 cup pine nuts or walnuts (I usually omit this because some people have nut allergies)
- 3 medium sized garlic cloves
- Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
METHOD
In the food processor, combine the basil and the pine nuts/walnuts. Pulse a few times. If you are using walnuts instead of pine nuts and they are not already chopped, pulse them a few times first, before adding the basil. Add the garlic.
Slowly add the olive oil in a constant stream while the food processor is on. Stop to scrape down the sides of the food processor with a rubber spatula. Add the grated cheese and pulse again until blended. Add a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Makes 1 cup.
Just remember that a little goes a long way! I tend to use 1/4c to 1/2 cup for my pesto pizza.
Serve with pasta, or over baked potatoes, or spread over toasted baguette slices
