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Homemade Pesto

Sauce made with fresh basil, parmesan cheese, lemon, and garlic.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 1 cup

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups fresh basil leaves
  • 3/4 cup shredded parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup olive oil
  • 1/3 cup toasted pinenuts
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 2 Tbsp lemon juice
  • 1/2 tsp coarse sea salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper

Instructions
 

  • Toast the pinenuts in a small pan for 3-5 minutes over medium-low heat until slightly golden brown. Allow to cool for a minute or two.
  • Add all the ingredients except the olive oil to the bowl of a food processor. Run the food processor and slowly pour in the olive oil through the opening in the lid. Scrap down the edges of the bowl and blend until you have a smooth sauce.
  • Use sauce right away in your favorite recipes or keep in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also place pesto in an ice cube try and freeze small cubes to use in the future.
Keyword basil pesto, pasta sauce