Mom's Pesto
Bursting with the vibrant flavors of fresh basil, nutty Parmesan, and golden toasted pine nuts, Mom's Pesto is a quick, no-cook recipe that takes just 15 minutes to prepare. This classic Italian-inspired sauce is elevated with a hint of garlic and optional lemon juice for a zesty twist, perfectly complementing its creamy olive oil base. Whether you’re tossing it with hot pasta, spreading it over crusty bread, or using it as a topping for grilled veggies, this versatile homemade pesto is a must-have for your kitchen repertoire. Easy to make, customizable, and perfect for meal prep, Mom’s Pesto brings the authentic taste of summer to your table all year round.
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Ingredients
- 2 cups (packed) Fresh basil leaves
- 0.33 cup Pine nuts
- 2 large Garlic cloves
- 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
- 0.5 cup Extra virgin olive oil
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt
- 0.25 teaspoon Freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Lemon juice (optional)
Directions
Step 1
Rinse and pat dry the fresh basil leaves. Ensure they are free from excess moisture, as this will affect the consistency of the pesto.
Step 2
Lightly toast the pine nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring constantly, for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and golden. Transfer them to a plate to cool.
Step 3
Add the garlic cloves to a food processor and pulse a few times to chop them roughly.
Step 4
Add the cooled pine nuts, basil leaves, and grated Parmesan cheese to the food processor. Pulse until the mixture resembles a coarse paste.
Step 5
With the food processor running on low, slowly drizzle in the olive oil in a steady stream. Stop and scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
Step 6
Once the mixture is smooth and well-emulsified, taste and season with salt, black pepper, and optional lemon juice for acidity and brightness.
Step 7
Transfer the pesto to a small bowl or jar. Cover tightly and refrigerate if not using immediately. It can be stored for up to 5 days or frozen for longer.
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (336.2g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 1793.4 |
| Total Fat 176.1g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 39.6g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 15.2g | |
| Cholesterol 95.2mg | 0% |
| Sodium 2992.5mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 16.6g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 3.5g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 1.7g | |
| Protein 53.5g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 0IU | 0% |
| Calcium 1391.0mg | 0% |
| Iron 4.1mg | 0% |
| Potassium 573.1mg | 0% |
Source of Calories