Homemade Basil Pesto Sauce
This vibrant homemade basil pesto is blended in seconds to create a fresh and aromatic sauce that elevates pasta, sandwiches, and more. It is far superior to anything from a jar and can be made in under 5 minutes with a handful of quality ingredients.
A fresh and aromatic blender pesto made with basil, pine nuts, and Parmesan cheese.
Nutrition per serving
Ingredients
herbs
nuts
dairy
aromatics
oils
citrus
Instructions
Toast the Pine Nuts
Add the pine nuts to a dry skillet over medium heat and toast for 2 to 3 minutes stirring frequently until lightly golden and fragrant. Watch carefully as they can burn quickly. Transfer to a plate to cool.
Combine in Blender
Add the fresh basil leaves, toasted pine nuts, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic cloves, and lemon juice to the blender. Pulse a few times to roughly chop everything together before adding the oil.
Stream in Olive Oil
With the blender running on low speed slowly pour in the olive oil in a steady stream. This emulsification technique creates a creamier and more cohesive sauce. Blend for 30 to 45 seconds total.
Season and Store
Taste the pesto and season with salt and black pepper to your preference. Transfer to a clean jar and press a thin layer of olive oil on the surface to prevent browning. Refrigerate for up to one week.
Substitutions
Common mistakes
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