Easy Homemade Pesto
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No need for store-bought pesto anymore. This recipe is so easy with just 5 ingredients. And it takes just 5 min to make too!
I somehow always have extra basil on hand so I’ve found myself making pesto on a weekly basis. It’s one of the easiest things to make – with the help of a food processor – and it requires so little ingredients! Plus, having a jar of pesto in your fridge is always a life saver for those busy weeknights. All you have to do is cook up some pasta, slather on that pesto and sprinkle on some Parmesan. Done and done.
Now if you’re used to store-bought pesto, believe me when I tell you that this homemade version will change your life. It’s just so much more vibrant and fresh, and you can control exactly how runny or thick you want your pesto to be. Just be sure to add more olive oil until your desired consistency is reached.
I should also tell you that this is best made when using a food processor, not a blender. I have tried using a blender and the consistency just isn’t the same. And I know that pine nuts (also called pignolias) can be a bit pricey but one small 8-ounce bag of pine nuts will last you a lifetime. And it gives you an excuse to make more pesto for next time!
Easy Homemade Pesto
Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves
- 3 cloves garlic, peeled
- 3 tablespoons pine nuts
- ⅓ cup freshly grated Parmesan
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- ⅓ cup olive oil
Equipment
Instructions
- To make the pesto, combine basil, garlic, pine nuts and Parmesan in the bowl of a food processor; season with salt and pepper, to taste. With the motor running, add olive oil in a slow stream until emulsified; set aside.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
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How many calories/fat do you think there is in a tablespoon of this pesto? I made this and it was absolutely delish but I do not want to sacrifice my diet. Thank you so much for sharing.
Nutritional information is provided only for select and new recipes at this time. However, if it is not available for a specific recipe, it is best that you use free online resources at your discretion (you can Google “nutritional calculator”) to obtain such information.
I know what you mean…..if you look on a bottle of olive oil you will prob faint, but think of it this way…..olive oil is very good for you. Everything in moderation; so skip the garlic bread and maybe have a salad with it.
Pesto recipe is easy, healthy, and delicious! What more could I ask? Thank you!
Going to try this recipe with my mortar and pestle!!
thanks for this great recipes! Lov your site, will save it…
Break off some stems of basil and root in water. Replant and have basil all year round. Lovely recipe.
I use all of the above ingredients, excluding the nuts. Simply because I’m never aware of who may have an allergy to them. Everyone, loves my pesto, even without the nuts.
How much pasta goes well with the one cup of pesto this recipe makes?
Pasta for 2, or 4? Just wanted to get an idea. Thanks!
It really depends but I’d say 2-3 to be on the safe side.
Thanks, it was delicious!
This looks amazing & easy! Also, love the jar, where did you purchase?
They are Weck jars – available online or at Williams-Sonoma.
Use it as sauce on pasta is the most common use. We also spread it on crackers and bread as a delicious snack
The traditional Genovese pesto uses about half pecorino and half parmesan cheese. Try toasting the pine nuts lightly on a comal, letting them cool, then add. Those two little things will improve your pesto by a great deal!!! In general though, thanks for your recipes!
Love homemade pesto with fresh basil! I always use almonds instead of pine nuts, cheap I guess but I’ve never noticed a difference in taste.
PS. I’m a new blog reader and your recipes look delicious and easy! Can’t wait to start making some.
I made this with my fresh basil plant yesterday!!! Its amazing how much better the fresh homemade stuff is than the pesto in a jar!! Thank you, I will be making this many more times this summer!!! I put on pasta and grilled chicken!!!
Home made pesto is the only way to go. Simple yet delicious recipe.
I never added parmesan in my pesto before. What a great idea! Looks delicious!
Looks good! Will this be enough pesto for 5 people?
Candice, that really depends on what you are serving this with. I can usually serve 3-4 very hungry people with this batch.
Hi Chungah, I plan to serve this with pasta as a one pot meal.
homemade pesto is sooo good and yours looks like the best!
Chung-Ah: Another fabulous recipe, simply prepare with wonderful ingredients. Over the weekend I harvested the last of my winter garlic from my garden, and my basil plants are providing a welcomed bumper crop. Will make this soon.
PS – It appears Butters recovered without a hitch from his surgery. Glad to hear it.
Yes! Thankfully he has healed beautifully and his energy level is back to puppy-craziness!
Love homemade pesto with whole wheat pasta. So good, so easy, so delicious!
yum! This is so easy but so delicious!
http://youtube.com/addalittlefood
I still haven’t made homemade pesto. Waiting as patiently as possible for my stinken’ basil to grow! I’m not being very patient. Am I?
Looks perfect!