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Fresh Basil Pesto

Classic Genovese-style pesto: bright, herbaceous, and ready in minutes.

Total time
10 min
Serves
6
Difficulty
Medium
Fresh Basil Pesto

The preparation

6 steps, about 10 minutes start to finish.

  1. 01

    Add the garlic and pine nuts (or walnuts) to a food processor. Pulse several times until finely chopped.

  2. 02

    Add the fresh basil leaves and pulse until roughly chopped.

  3. 03

    With the processor running, drizzle in the olive oil in a steady stream until well combined.

  4. 04

    Add the finely shredded Parmesan and pulse to combine.

  5. 05

    Taste and season with salt and pepper. Add more olive oil for a thinner consistency.

  6. 06

    Toss immediately with warm pasta, spread on sandwiches, or store in an airtight jar with a thin layer of olive oil on top.

lightbulb The chef's notes

“To preserve the bright green color, blanch the basil leaves in boiling water for 15 seconds then immediately ice-bath them before blending. Store covered with olive oil in the refrigerator for up to 1 week, or freeze for months.”

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