Fresh Basil Pesto

Sunday, August 13, 2023

15 Minutes - 4 Servings - 78 Calories

2 Cup Basil leaves, (packed)

0.5 Cup Romano or Parmesan cheese (freshly grated), prefer Romano aged at least 5 months

0.5 Cup extra virgin Olive Oil

1/3 Cup Pine Nuts

3 cloves Garlic, about 1 tbls

1/4 tsp Salt

1/8 tsp Pepper

Pulse the basil and pine nuts:
Place the basil leaves and pine nuts into the bowl of a food processor and pulse several times.
Add the garlic and cheese:
Add the garlic and Parmesan or Romano cheese and pulse several times more. Scrape down the sides of the food processor with a rubber spatula.
Slowly pour in the olive oil:
While the food processor is running, slowly add the olive oil in a steady small stream. Adding the olive oil slowly while the processor is running will help it emulsify and help keep the olive oil from separating. Occasionally, stop to scrape down the sides of the food processor.
Season the pesto sauce:
Add salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.

Per serving 78 CALORIES 8g FAT 1g CARBS (0 Sugar) 1g PROTEIN Vitamin C 4% Calcium 3% Iron 1%

I'm not sure how much oil I'm using, I add in enough to get the basil and pine nuts to move around, maybe try measuring some time.

Toss with pasta for a quick sauce, dollop over baked potatoes, or spread onto crackers or toasted slices of bread.

https://www.simplyrecipes.com/recipes/fresh_basil_pesto/