Recipe for Classic Basil Pesto

This green sauce is made by crushing basil, pine nuts, and cheese with oil.

Ingredients

• 50 grams fresh basil leaves
• 30 grams pine nuts
• 2 garlic cloves
• 50 grams parmesan cheese
• 120 milliliters extra virgin olive oil
• 2 grams salt

Preparation

1. Toast the pine nuts in a dry pan until they are light gold
2. Place the basil, nuts, garlic, and salt in a food processor or mortar
3. Pulse the ingredients until they form a coarse paste but are not smooth
4. Add the grated parmesan cheese and pulse again for a few more seconds
5. Slowly pour in the olive oil while blending until the pesto is green
6. Transfer to a jar and cover with oil to prevent the surface browning

Tips

• Use a mortar and pestle for a better texture and a brighter green color
• Pulse the food processor in short bursts to avoid heating and wilting the basil
• Replace pine nuts with walnuts or almonds if you prefer a different nutty flavor