The aroma alone from this Fresh Homemade Pesto sauce is intoxicating. You'll swear that summer isn't far away when you're making it. A whole pile of fresh basil, garlic cloves, pine nuts, olive oil and grated parmesan cheese are all that is needed for this quick, but flavorful sauce. Add an intense pop of color and flavor to any pasta dish with this classic Italian sauce!
Pesto Ingredients & Methods
There is an almost heated debate in the culinary community about how to make pesto correctly. Traditionalists say to use a pestle and mortar, and modernists say to just use a blender. Some people see it as a cardinal sin to use a blender, but I personally don't see any issues with it. Whatever works for you is a-okay in my book! I have instructions for both methods listed below.
I did use a pestle and mortar to make this recipe. Honestly, it's just easier to clean than a blender. You also get to see the sauce come come together as you continually work it with the pestle. It's a pretty satisfying process to watch.
Here is a link to the to the pestle and mortar that I have had for several years. I have really enjoyed it and it is has been a surprisingly useful piece of equipment to keep around the kitchen.
I use this pesto for the cream sauce in my recipe for Sunday Eggplant Parmesan. Pair this with your favorite pasta, with a cheese ravioli, or add it to your favorite soup! This also goes great in my
Doubling or even tripling this recipe will yield more sauce. I would recommend doing so if you need more than about half a cup.
Did you make this recipe for Fresh Homemade Pesto?
Let me know in the comments below how yours turned out, and don't forget to leave a rating!
Recipe
Fresh Homemade Pesto
Equipment
- 1 Blender or Pestle and Mortar
Ingredients
- 1 Large or 2 Small Garlic Cloves
- ⅛ Teaspoon Kosher Salt Plus more to taste
- 1 Cup Fresh Basil
- 1 Tablespoon Pine Nuts or Walnuts Diced
- ¼ Cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- ¼ Cup Parmesan Cheese Grated
Instructions
Pestle and Mortar
- In the bowl of a pestle and mortar add the garlic and kosher salt. Smash until a paste forms.
- Begin adding the basil in small bunches, continuing to crush until incorporated with the garlic and all of the basil has been used.
- Add the pine nuts or walnuts and crush to incorporate.
- Slowly add in the olive oil a little bit at a time. Continue to work until emulsified and the sauce starts to thicken.
- Add the grated parmesan cheese in batches until incorporated.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Blender
- Add the garlic, salt, basil, pine nuts, parmesan cheese to the bowl of a blender and blend until a paste forms.
- With the blender running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until thick and emulsified.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Stacy says
Fresh and bright, perfection!