Basil Pesto Recipe

If you’re looking for a fantastic Basil Pesto recipe, look no further! Basil Pesto is a simple recipe that you can make easily in your spare time. There is no cooking required and the ingredients go very well together.

Pesto is a very versatile recipe that is often prepared using any number of ingredients, usually whatever is convenient. So, while there is no set recipe that defines pesto, the following is an exquisite list of ingredients that will liven up any get together you have. Instead of parmesan cheese, Romano cheese is often used as a substitute because of its stronger flavor. Pine nuts are sometimes included but you may want to use walnuts instead.

You can store your pesto in the freezer to use at a later date but forget the cheese. If you try to freeze pesto and cheese, it won’t reheat well. Add it afterwards. Here’s what you do. Take an ice cube tray and line it with some plastic wrap, then fill each individual cube area with pesto. After the pesto in the ice tray is fully frozen, take it out and store it in a freezer safe ziploc. When you want to reuse it, defrost and add your cheeses.

Ingredients:

· 2 cups fresh basil leaves, packed

· 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan or Romano cheeses

· 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil

· 1/3 cup walnuts or pine nuts

· 3 medium sized garlic cloves, minced to taste

· Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

· Food processor or blender required

Instructions:

1. Mix the basil and walnuts together and hit the blend button a few times on the food processor. If the walnuts are not already chopped, blend them before adding the basil. Add garlic and blend with a few more pulses.

2. Slowly pour in olive oil using a continuous stream while the food processor is still blending. Some of the olive oil will remain on the side of the food processor. Scrape it off with a rubber spatula to ensure a full coating. Then, add the grated cheese, pulse it a few times but try to keep it from completely liquefying. Small chunks in a gravy type consistency would be the ideal approach but this is according to your own personal preference, of course. Add a few pinches of salt and/or black pepper to suit your taste. Enjoy!