Imagine transforming simple pantry ingredients into a luxurious, restaurant-worthy pesto that will make your taste buds dance with delight! This Pantry Basics Frugal Pesto recipe is not just a sauce—it's a culinary magic trick that turns ordinary meals into extraordinary experiences. Whether you're a busy home cook or a passionate food lover, this incredibly easy recipe will revolutionize your cooking and impress everyone at your dining table.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 10 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 2 cups
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/3 cup nuts (pine nuts or walnuts)
- 2 cloves garlic
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Thoroughly wash fresh basil leaves under cool running water, gently patting them dry with clean paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- Peel garlic cloves and remove any green sprouts from the center, which can create a bitter taste.
- Toast nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent burning, until they become fragrant and lightly golden. Allow nuts to cool completely before processing.
- Add garlic cloves to food processor or blender and pulse until finely chopped.
- Add cooled toasted nuts to the processor and pulse 2-3 times to roughly chop and combine with garlic.
- Add fresh basil leaves to the processor, ensuring they are packed loosely but completely.
- Gradually stream olive oil into the processor while pulsing, creating a smooth and consistent texture.
- Add grated Parmesan cheese and salt, processing until ingredients are well incorporated and mixture is creamy.
- Taste and adjust seasoning, adding more salt if needed or additional olive oil to reach desired consistency.
- Transfer pesto to an airtight container, smoothing the top and adding a thin layer of olive oil to prevent discoloration.
- Store in refrigerator for up to one week, or freeze in small portions for up to three months.
Tips
- Always use fresh basil leaves for the most vibrant flavor. Avoid wilted or bruised leaves.
- Toasting nuts is a crucial step that enhances their flavor. Watch them carefully to prevent burning.
- Use high-quality olive oil and freshly grated Parmesan for the best taste.
- If pine nuts are expensive, walnuts make an excellent and budget-friendly alternative.
- For a longer shelf life, pour a thin layer of olive oil on top of the pesto to prevent oxidation.
- Freeze pesto in ice cube trays for convenient single-serving portions.
- Room temperature ingredients blend more smoothly, so let garlic and nuts sit out for a few minutes before processing.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 2g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 10mg
