Fresh Homemade Basil Pesto Recipe
Description:
This Fresh Basil Pesto recipe will bring a burst of flavor to any dish. There’s nothing quite like homemade pesto made from fresh, vibrant ingredients. The basil, combined with the rich flavor of toasted walnuts (or almonds or pine nuts), garlic, and aromatic spices, creates a truly unique pesto that can elevate pasta, sandwiches, baked goods, or even salads. Whether you stick with a traditional basil base or add a twist by incorporating herbs like parsley, mint, or coriander, this recipe is sure to refresh any meal.
Cuisine: Continental
Course: Side Dish
Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Fresh Basil Leaves | 200 grams (stems removed) |
| Walnuts (toasted) | 1/4 cup |
| Garlic (finely chopped) | 4 cloves |
| Salt | To taste |
| Cumin Powder (Jeera) | 1 teaspoon |
| Red Chilli Powder (or black pepper) | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Extra Virgin Olive Oil | 1/4 cup |
| Parmesan Cheese (optional, grated) | 1/2 cup |
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Instructions
-
Prepare the Ingredients
Start by preparing all your ingredients. Remove the stems from the fresh basil leaves and chop the garlic finely. Toast the walnuts lightly to bring out their nutty flavor. -
Grind the Pesto
In a food processor, combine the basil leaves, walnuts, garlic, salt, cumin powder, and red chilli powder. Add a little water to help the grinding process along with the extra virgin olive oil. Blend the mixture until it reaches a coarse or smooth consistency, depending on your preference. -
Add Parmesan (Optional)
If you are using Parmesan cheese, add it to the food processor once the pesto has been puréed. Blend again until the Parmesan is fully combined into the pesto, giving it a creamy, rich texture. -
Serve and Enjoy
Your fresh basil pesto is now ready! Toss it with your favorite pasta, drizzle it over sandwiches, or use it as a spread on bread and wraps. It can also be added to baked dishes for an extra layer of flavor. -
Storage
Store any leftover pesto in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can be used over the next few days to complement salads, tarts, pasta dishes, or any meal that calls for a fresh, flavorful sauce.
Pro Tip:
Feel free to experiment with different herbs such as parsley, mint, or coriander to create a unique herbed pesto variation. You can also swap the walnuts for almonds or pine nuts to suit your taste or dietary preferences. The versatility of this pesto makes it an essential addition to your recipe arsenal.
Enjoy this fresh, homemade pesto with any dish, and taste the difference that fresh, high-quality ingredients make!
