Simple and Serene Living: Fresh Basil Pesto

When I was visiting my daughter a couple of weeks ago she made some fresh basil pesto with pasta for lunch one day. It is not something I have made before, but it was so yummy I thought I would hunt up a recipe to make for dinner one night this week.

This is a quick and easy recipe from Simply Recipes

Fresh Basil Pesto Recipe

Prep time: 10 minutes

INGREDIENTS

2 cups fresh basil leaves, packed
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan-Reggiano or Romano cheese
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
1/3 cup pine nuts or walnuts
3 medium sized garlic cloves, minced
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

METHOD

1 Combine the basil in with the pine nuts, pulse a few times in a food processor. (If you are using walnuts instead of pine nuts and they are not already chopped, pulse them a few times first, before adding the basil.) Add the garlic, pulse a few times more.

2 Slowly add the olive oil in a constant stream while the food processor is on. Stop to scrape down the sides of the food processor with a rubber spatula. Add the grated cheese and pulse again until blended. Add a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.

Serve with pasta, or over baked potatoes, or spread over toasted baguette slices.

Yield: Makes one cup

I plan to mix mine with a nice fresh pasta, penne would be nice, and some tomatoes from the garden. Add a tossed salad and you have the perfect summertime meal. Quick and easy with fresh ingredients. Enjoy!!

6 comments:

AnonymousAugust 16, 2011 at 11:36 AM
Those tomatoes look so beautiful!
www.MaisonStGermain.comAugust 16, 2011 at 3:57 PM
MMMMMMMMMMMM Yummy:) I am saving this fabulous recipe to try it. I already know I am going to love it:)
~Debra xxx
Capers of the vintage vixens
EllenAugust 16, 2011 at 7:58 PM
This is great... I've been looking for a simple pesto recipe and now I've found it. New twitter follower, too!
outjunkingAugust 16, 2011 at 8:59 PM
That look so great, especially after I just served my poor family a sad lazy dish of spaghetti for supper.
Lisa
pasqueflowerAugust 16, 2011 at 10:21 PM
Yummo!
DonnaAugust 17, 2011 at 2:41 PM
I love pesto, and I can almost smell yours now! My basil finally took off, after looking pretty sad for quite awhile. It's been a cool summer here in the Pacific Northwest, not the best climate for growing herbs!!