Best Basic Pesto Recipe

Pesto is the most classic way to use basil in Italian cooking—though this herb has many other uses. Still, you really can't go wrong with a whole bunch of meals once you can master this basic pesto recipe.

Swirl some pesto into al dente spaghetti and achieve a sort of food nirvana. Spread it on a ciabatta roll, add some mozzarella and sundried tomatoes and press it in a panini for true sandwich perfection. Pizza, chicken, a nice piece of fish? All good with pesto.

Oh sure, there are other delicious herbs out there, but none of them can make pesto. Try it. Now.

Best Basic Pesto Recipe
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Servings
1
cup
Ingredients
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 2 cups basil
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 tablespoon pine nuts
  • 3 tablespoons Parmesan cheese
  • 1/3 to 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
Directions
  1. Place garlic, basil, salt, pine nuts, and cheese in a food processor or blender and process until it turns into a paste.
  2. Gradually blend in olive oil until the desired texture is achieved.
  3. Adjust seasoning as needed.
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