Simple, Versatile Basil Pesto Recipe
Easy Basil Pesto
You don't have to confine your basil pesto to your pasta dishes either - I use basil pesto in so many different easy recipes from salad dressings to chicken dishes.
It's a wonderful quick way to add tons of flavor to almost any recipe!
Make up a whole batch of this easy pasta sauce recipe and freeze it in ice cube trays so that it's ready for your easy recipes whenever you need it.
You'll need a food processor for this pesto recipe, but it needn't be a huge, heavy-duty contraption! Try the simple Cuisinart Mini-Prep Plus from Amazon:
Perfect for small food preparation, this easy to use, easy to clean mini-processor has an auto reversing blade which makes it easier to process both soft and hard foods - and it doesn't take up much counter space.
| Ingredients: | Equipment: | |
Seasoning:
(Makes 3/4 Cup)
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| Preparation Time: | 10 minutes |
How To Make Our Easy Basil Pesto Recipe:
Quick Tip
The Easy Way to Peel Garlic:
Before peeling your garlic cloves place the flat of your knife on the clove and push down on the blade with the heel of your hand to squash the garlic slightly. This loosens the skin which then peels right off!
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Combine basil and pine nuts in a food processor - pulse a few times.
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Peel garlic cloves and add to the food processor - pulse a few more times.
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Slowly add the olive oil in a steady stream while processing. Stop occasionally to scrape down the sides.
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Add the grated cheese and process until well combined.
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Add salt and pepper to taste.
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Use immediately or freeze in ice cube trays lined with plastic wrap.
Freezing Tips for Your Pesto:
For best results, leave out the cheese and add it in after you have defrosted the pesto. Line your ice cube tray with plastic wrap. When the basil pesto is frozen turn the blocks out into a freezer bag.
Serving Suggestion:
Delicious Basil Pesto
This easy basil pesto recipe is delicious and versatile. There are so many ways you can use it - here are a few ideas:
- Toss into freshly cooked, warm pasta. Throw in a few extra pine nuts and add shavings of Parmesan - simple comfort food - my favorite;
- Pile generously over chicken breasts, sprinkle with grated Mozzarella. Cover and bake; or
- Spread over baguette slices, sprinkle with crumbled Feta and grill for a few minutes - delicious, quick Crostini!
Variations on Our Basil Pesto Recipe:
Jazz it up!
Try any one or a combination of these alternatives to create different, yummy pesto recipes:
- Replace the basil with rocket, coriander or parsley.
- Replace the Parmesan with Romano for a stronger flavor.
- Replace the pine nuts with walnuts - pulse a few times to chop before adding leaves.
Giada de Laurentiis
Everyday Italian Cookbook
If you're looking for more easy Italian ideas, you must try the 125 delicious recipes in Everyday Italian
(4.5 stars by 338 reviewers on Amazon)
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