Discover the vibrant flavors of Italy with our Runner Food Basil Pesto! This quick and easy recipe transforms fresh basil, garlic, and pine nuts into a luscious, creamy sauce that's perfect for pasta, sandwiches, or even as a dip for your favorite veggies. With just 10 minutes of prep time, you can whip up a delightful cup of homemade pesto that will elevate any dish to gourmet status. Are you ready to impress your taste buds and your dinner guests? Let’s dive into this deliciously simple recipe that promises to become a staple in your kitchen!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 10 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 1 cup
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves
- 1/2 cup pine nuts
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1/2 cup nutritional yeast
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 2 cups of fresh basil leaves, 1/2 cup of pine nuts, 2 cloves of garlic, 1/2 cup of nutritional yeast, and 1/2 cup of olive oil. Ensure that your basil leaves are clean and dry for the best flavor.
- In a dry skillet over medium heat, lightly toast the pine nuts for about 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently. This step enhances their flavor, but be careful not to burn them. Once toasted, remove from heat and let them cool slightly.
- Peel the garlic cloves and add them to a food processor. Pulse a few times to chop the garlic into smaller pieces.
- Add the fresh basil leaves to the food processor with the chopped garlic. Pulse again until the basil is finely chopped and well combined with the garlic.
- Next, add the toasted pine nuts and nutritional yeast to the food processor. Pulse until the mixture is well combined and crumbly.
- With the food processor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil. This will help emulsify the pesto and create a smooth, creamy texture. Stop to scrape down the sides of the bowl as necessary to ensure everything is incorporated.
- Once the pesto is smooth, taste it and season with salt and pepper to your liking. Blend again briefly to mix in the seasoning.
- Transfer the basil pesto to a clean jar or airtight container. If you're not using it immediately, you can store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. To prevent browning, you can drizzle a thin layer of olive oil on top before sealing.
- Enjoy your Runner Food Basil Pesto as a sauce for pasta, a spread for sandwiches, or a dip for vegetables!
Tips
- Choose Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, use fresh basil leaves that are vibrant and fragrant. Avoid wilted or discolored leaves.
- Toast Pine Nuts Carefully: Toasting the pine nuts enhances their flavor, but keep a close eye on them as they can burn quickly. Stir frequently and remove them from the heat once they turn golden.
- Adjust Consistency: If you prefer a thinner pesto, simply add more olive oil while blending until you reach your desired consistency.
- Experiment with Add-Ins: Feel free to customize your pesto by adding ingredients like lemon juice for brightness, or different nuts such as walnuts or almonds for a unique twist.
- Storage Tips: To keep your pesto fresh, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. A thin layer of olive oil on top can help prevent oxidation and browning.
- Serving Suggestions: Use your basil pesto as a pasta sauce, a sandwich spread, or a flavorful dip for fresh veggies or crackers. It’s versatile enough to be used in various dishes!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 30g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 0mg
