BASil Pesto

Learn how to make Basil Pesto with this easy peasy recipe using Fresh Basil leaves, Garlic, Pine nuts, Parmesan Cheese and Olive oil. Basil Pesto is one of basics in Italian dishes. 

Ingredients

2 cups – Italian basil leaves
1 bulb – Garlic
1/4 cup – Grated parmesan / cheddar cheese
1/4 cup – Extra Virgin olive oil
1/4 cup – Lightly toasted or raw Pinenuts
Salt to taste
1 tsp – Crushed Pepper (optional)

Method
An option step that you can follow: Take basil leaves in a bowl. Pour boiling water on it and give a quick stir and take it out and put it in a glass of ice cold water. This makes vibrant green pesto. You can choose to omit this step and use fresh basil as well.

In a mortar and pestle ( mixer will do too) coarsly grind basil, pinenuts, pepper, garlic.

To this now add the grated cheese and gradually add olive oil while grinding.

Grind it to a paste and store it in an airtight bottle.

Store the pesto in a jar and refrigerate. Serve it with Cooked pasta on the side with a generous grating of Parmesan Cheese for a comfortable, hearty meal.

Or saute garlic and mushrooms in olive oil along with some freshly ground pepper till it browns. Add cooked pasta, pesto, salt to taste and mix it well and serve with with a generous topping of Parmesan Cheese. Check out the full recipe here.

Also do try the Pesto as a Salad dressing. Check out the Tomato Salad with Pesto Dressing.