Fresh Basil Pesto

photo via foreveraddicting

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!!