Pesto Genovese is a classic Italian sauce that hails from the Liguria region, renowned for its vibrant green color and fresh, aromatic flavor. Made from a handful of simple yet high-quality ingredients, this traditional recipe combines fragrant basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese and extra virgin olive oil into a luscious, creamy paste. Whether tossed with pasta, spread on sandwiches or drizzled over grilled vegetables, pesto Genovese elevates any dish with its herbaceous richness. Making your own pesto is not only easy but also allows you to enjoy the pure, bold flavor store-bought versions often lack.
INGREDIENTS
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? 2 cups fresh basil leaves, packed
? 1/4 cup pine nuts (toasted if desired)
? 2-3 cloves garlic, peeled
? 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
? 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
? Salt to taste
? Freshly ground black pepper (optional)
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INSTRUCTIONS
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1. Blend the Base: In a food processor, combine the basil leaves, pine nuts, and garlic. Pulse several times until the mixture is coarsely chopped.
2. Add Cheese: Add the grated Parmesan cheese to the basil mixture and pulse a few more times to combine.
3. Incorporate the Olive Oil: While the food processor is running, slowly drizzle in the extra virgin olive oil until the pesto reaches your desired consistency.
Scrape down the sides as needed. The result should be a smooth, vibrant sauce.
4. Season to Taste: Taste the pesto and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed. If the pesto is too thick, you can add a little more
olive oil to thin it out.
5. Serve or Store: Use the pesto immediately, tossing it with freshly cooked pasta or drizzling it over grilled meats or vegetables. If storing, transfer
the pesto to an airtight container, smoothing the top and drizzling a thin layer of olive oil over it to prevent browning. It can be refrigerated for up
to a week or frozen for several months.
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This Pesto Genovese captures the essence of fresh basil and Italian cooking, making it a delightful addition to your culinary repertoire. Enjoy the bright
flavors and versatility of this beloved sauce!
