Kitchen Basics: How To Make Pesto

Homemade pesto is super easy to make and can add so much flavor to dishes you probably already make. Fresh store-bought pestos (like the kind you can usually find in the deli section) are fantastic too. Lately I have been getting a large bunch of basil in my CSA delivers and more often than not I turn it into pesto. This is most easily done with a food processor but a good blender will work too or you can do it by hand with a mortar and pestle if you're cool like that.

Easy Homemade Pesto, makes about 1/2 cup

Needed: 2-3 ounces fresh basil leaves, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1/4 cup pine nuts, a generous 1/3 cup olive oil, 1/4 teaspoon salt and juice from 1/2 a lime or lemon, 1 clove of garlic (optional, I forgot to buy garlic this week so I left it out).

Puree in food processor. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

I love pesto on pasta, spread on sandwiches, mixed in with salads or as the base for a tart or pizza. There are all sorts of ways to enjoy pesto. Enjoy! xo. Emma

Comments

[Gwyneth]

This looks fabulous! Basil seems to be the only thing I'm capable of growing, so making pesto is probably a good idea, now that I have so much of it!

Do you know of any good nut substitutions (aka thing I can use instead of pine nuts)? Pine nuts are amazing but tend to be super expensive, so I was wondering if y'all had tried any alternatives! Now off to creep on that delicious looking pizza...

[Kerry]

This looks delicious! I have a huge basil plant that I need to start using, so this recipe looks perfect! I love the idea of using it as a sauce on pizza.
I've seen other pesto recipes that use walnuts instead of pine nuts, so I might try making that substitution to keep the cost down.

[Zuzanna]

Adding lemon juice is something that I have never done, but will try it next time. So excited! I love pesto, especially on bread with butter, cheese and tomatoes. I just wish pine nuts weren't so expensive :(

[Victoria]

oh yumm! I grew my own basil this summer and had that on my to do list, thanks for reminding me!

[Sarah]

This sounds absolutely incredible! I'm gonna have to try it for sure!

xoxo Sarah
theantiquepearl.blogspot.com

[Emily V]

I love making pesto! These are such good tips and tricks :) Thanks!

xx Emily

http://outintosparks.blogspot.ca

[Amanda]

Yum! This is pretty much how I make pesto. Regarding the comment asking about nut substitutes, my very Italian grandfather, who makes the best pesto EVER, throws in whatever nuts he has on hand. Cashews are great, and I've also used almonds. And if you're in a pinch, or someone is allergic to nuts, you can leave them out. The texture is a little different, but you still get that great basil taste.

[Lynn]

i think this is meant to be! i just got a food processor for my birthday & i have some basil trees growing in my garden ;)

[Saar Dockx]

Pesto is the most delicious food to eat!!!
I simply love this with some pasta and some chicken!! Also you could add some cherry tomatoes, DELICIOUS!

Love, Saar

[Kathy Huynh]

Love this recipe!

Also, you guys must be reading my mind. I'm trying to cook more at school this year and your recipes for pesto and granola were exactly what I was looking for!

Kathy :)
dreamersanddrifteres.blogspot.com

[Luba]

Pesto is my fav sauce ! That's the way I usually do it at home !
Great post !
XX Luba
Well living blog
http://very-well-living.blogspot.com

[Pip]

Homemade pesto is nice, my dad always makes it with fresh basil grown on our windowsill :) so yummy!

Pip x

[Mariana]

I use the same recipe. And I loOove pesto! :)

[Kate {Modette}]

Yum, I love pesto! It's soo delicious! :) x

Kate {Modette}
http://modetteblog.com

[Daisy Nguyen]

LOVE Pesto! Never knew what it was made of, and this looks easy!

XOXO
-Daisy Nguyen from PS BANANAS fashion blog:
http://psbananas.com
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[kendra genevieve rose.]

Mmm I love pesto!!

Xx

http://kendra-genevieve-rose.blogspot.com

[Amanda]

Mmm Delicious!

[Maggie]

Thanks so much! This looks so easy even I should be able to make it!! Maggie xx

[Jessica]

Try making it with sunflower seeds, great taste as well as economical and allergy friendly!

[Kate @ A Creative Cookie]

Awesome!!! Gotta try this :)