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basil pesto

Basil Pesto

There is just nothing as good as fresh Basil Pesto! I love it on sandwiches, stirred into pasta, used as a dip for veggies, or grilled on chicken.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Course Appetizer, dinner, lunch
Cuisine American, Italian

Ingredients
  

  • 3 cups fresh basil
  • 1/3 cup olive oil (or more depending on the consistency you like)
  • 1/3 cup toasted pine nuts
  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1/2 lemon, squeezed
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (more if desired)
  • salt and pepper

Instructions
 

  • Add rinsed basil to a food processor.
  • In a small skillet or toaster oven, toast 1/3 cup of pine nuts. Watch them closely - them burn quickly!
  • Add 2 peeled cloves of garlic and the pine nuts to the food processor.
  • Pulse a few times until everything is chopped and combined.
  • With mixer running, slowly drizzle in 1/3 cup of olive oil. If you want a thinner consistency, add a little extra olive oil. If you want your pesto thicker and chunkier, add a little less.
  • Squeeze half a lemon into the basil while mixing.
  • Season with salt and pepper. Remove the basil from the mixer and into a bowl. Add 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese to the basil and stir with a spoon. Taste for seasoning and consistency.
Keyword 30 minutes or less, basil, condiment, Creamy Italian Sausage Pasta, dips, pesto, sauce
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