Basil Pesto, a classic Italian sauce, combines fresh basil, pine nuts, Parmesan, garlic, olive oil, and seasonings. Ideal for enriching pasta dishes, it's a staple in Pesto Pasta, Pesto Chicken Pasta, and Pesto Shrimp Pasta.
Begin by thoroughly washing the basil leaves, removing and discarding any that are spoiled.
In a blender, combine the cleaned basil leaves, toasted pine nuts, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic cloves, black pepper powder, salt, lemon juice, and olive oil.
Secure the lid on the blender and blend until the mixture becomes smooth. Note: For a chunkier pesto, you can pulse the basil, nuts, cheese, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper a few times before gradually adding the olive oil. However, for this recipe, blend all the ingredients together for a creamy and smooth sauce.
To Use
This creamy Basil Pesto Sauce is incredibly versatile and perfect for a range of dishes. Use it in pesto pasta, chicken pesto pasta, shrimp pesto pasta, or as a flavorful spread for sandwiches and bread. It's also great in pesto salads.
Notes
Here are some tips to perfect your Basil Pesto:
Herb Variations: While basil is traditional, feel free to experiment with other herbs like mint, coriander, parsley, or even kale for a unique twist.
Flavor Balance: For the best taste, ensure you use the right proportions of ingredients. Measure accurately and adjust seasonings to suit your palate.
Texture Choices: The pesto's texture is up to you. For a creamy sauce, blend until smooth. If you prefer a chunkier pesto, pulse the ingredients and gradually add olive oil to reach your desired consistency.