Fresh Homemade Basil Pesto Recipe
A vibrant, aromatic, and flavor-packed sauce, basil pesto brings a touch of Italy to your kitchen. This Fresh Homemade Basil Pesto recipe is simple to prepare, featuring fragrant basil leaves, toasted walnuts, garlic, and a few key spices that elevate its taste. With its rich texture and earthy notes, basil pesto is incredibly versatile and can be paired with pasta, drizzled over sandwiches, or used as a topping for roasted vegetables. The addition of Parmesan cheese, though optional, gives the pesto a creamy richness thatβs hard to resist.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Fresh Basil Leaves (with stems removed) | 200 grams |
| 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 |
| Grated Parmesan Cheese (optional) | 1/2 cup |
Preparation Time
| Time | Duration |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 10 minutes |
| Cook Time | 20 minutes |
| Total Time | 30 minutes |
Servings
| Servings | 10 servings |
Cuisine
| Cuisine | Continental |
|---|
Course
| Course | Side Dish |
Diet
| Diet | Vegetarian |
Instructions
To begin, gather all the ingredients for this Fresh Homemade Basil Pesto recipe. The first step is to prepare the walnuts, garlic, and basil leaves. Toast the walnuts for a richer flavor, and finely chop the garlic. Then, place the walnuts, garlic, basil leaves, salt, cumin powder, and red chilli powder in a food processor. Add some water and olive oil to help achieve the desired consistency.
Pulse the ingredients in the food processor until you reach a coarse or smooth texture, depending on your preference. If you are using Parmesan cheese, add it to the mixture once the pesto has been processed, and pulse again until everything is thoroughly combined.
This fresh basil pesto can be served immediately with your favorite pasta, or used in various dishes such as sandwiches, breads, baked goods, and wraps. It is a delightful addition to many savory recipes. To store the pesto, place it in an airtight container and refrigerate. It can be used over the next few days in salads, tarts, pasta dishes, or as a condiment for roasted vegetables.
Tips for Making the Best Fresh Basil Pesto
- Use Fresh Basil: For the best flavor, make sure youβre using fresh, vibrant basil leaves. Wilted or old basil can result in a less flavorful pesto.
- Toast the Walnuts: Toasting the walnuts before using them adds a depth of flavor to the pesto. You can also substitute walnuts with pine nuts or almonds for a different taste.
- Adjust the Texture: For a chunkier pesto, process the ingredients lightly, while for a smoother texture, blend longer. The choice is yours!
- Optional Parmesan: Parmesan cheese adds a rich, creamy texture, but you can leave it out for a dairy-free version. You can also experiment with other cheeses like pecorino for a sharper flavor.
- Storage: Store the pesto in a glass jar or airtight container in the fridge. You can also add a thin layer of olive oil on top before sealing the jar to help preserve it for longer.
Nutrition (per serving, based on 10 servings)
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 140 kcal |
| Total Fat | 13 g |
| Saturated Fat | 1.5 g |
| Cholesterol | 3 mg |
| Sodium | 150 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 4 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugars | 1 g |
| Protein | 2 g |
This Fresh Homemade Basil Pesto recipe is packed with flavor and nutrition, providing healthy fats from the walnuts and olive oil, and a burst of fresh, herbaceous basil. Whether youβre serving it with pasta or incorporating it into other recipes, this pesto will undoubtedly become a staple in your kitchen.
Enjoy this delightful, homemade pesto that adds a burst of freshness and vibrant flavor to any dish!
