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pesto

PennyInKC avatar
Recipe by
Penny Burdge
@PennyInKC
Lenexa, KS

Fresh IS best! Easy and delicious.

yield 12 serving(s)
prep time 30 Min
method No-Cook or Other

Ingredients For pesto

  • 4 c
    fresh basil leaves, lightly packed
  • 6 lg
    cloves garlic
  • 1 c
    extra virgin olive oil
  • 2/3 c
    toasted pignolis (pine nuts)
  • 1 c
    finely grated parmesan reggiano or 1/2 cup each parmesan reggiano and 1/2 pecorino romano
  • 1/2 tsp
    sea salt
  • 1/2 tsp
    freshly ground black pepper

How To Make pesto

  • 1
    Place basil, garlic, and pignolis in a food processor or blender. Pulverize. Add oil and blend until well mixed. Add cheese and blend briefly. Add salt and pepper to taste.
  • 2
    Makes enough sauce for 2 pounds of cooked pasta of your choice. If the pesto seems to thick add hot pasta water a tablespoon at a time to desired consistency.
  • 3
    If NOT using immediately, do not add the cheese. Refrigerate or freeze until ready to use, placing a very thin film of oil on the surface to prevent browning. When ready to use, blend in the grated cheese and pour over hot pasta. You can use some pasta water to thin the pesto if it is too thick.
  • Last Step: Don't forget to share! Make all your friends drool by posting a picture of your finished recipe on your favorite social network. And don't forget to tag Just A Pinch and include #justapinchrecipes so we can see it too!
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