Are you growing any herbs this summer? You may have seen in my last post about my wine cork herb markers that my basil is starting to take off and I’m fired up to make pesto with it.
Basil pesto is so easy to make and can be used for lots of delicious recipes. We love to mix it with our Spaghetti with Onions, omitting the spinach and using the pesto instead, for a quick and fresh meal. My kids like it mixed with cheese tortellini. I also drizzle it over slices of buffalo mozzarella and summer tomatoes…so yum!
Do you use pesto and if so, for what?
Here is a basic recipe I make all the time that hope you will enjoy too.
Basil Pesto
Ingredients
- 2 cups packed fresh basil leaves
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1/4 cup pine nuts
- 2/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil, divided
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Pecorino cheese
Directions
Combine the basil, garlic, and pine nuts in a food processor and pulse until coarsely chopped. Add 1/2 cup of the oil and process until fully incorporated and smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
If using immediately, add all the remaining oil and pulse until smooth. Transfer the pesto to a large serving bowl and mix in the cheese.
If freezing, transfer to an air-tight container and drizzle remaining oil over the top. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw and stir in cheese.
Michelle @ Ten June says
Ok… I missed the wine cork herb marker and now I am super super in LOVE! What a great idea! PS. I looove basil and all of mine recently died! Sad day at our house : ( I need a green thumb like you!
classic • casual • home says
You can get pine nuts at Costco…as mine do well in the freezer. Looks tasty!
Val says
CORK HERB MAKER, I will be making this weekend. Thanks for always inspiring.
Courtney {a thoughtful place} says
I love basil . . .wish I were better about keeping things alive. The cork idea is great. And these recipes are making me drool!
Sandy says
Hi Lisa,
Thank you, Thank you, Thank you for this recipe. My hubby always asks me if I can make our own pesto.
Buying it is also very pricey!
Thanks for sharing!
Hugs to you Friend!
Sandy says
By the way, I put pesto on the sliced tomato on our Pizza.
Bellisima!
Natasha in Oz says
I love pesto and haven't made any for so long! I'm going to have to make some as soon as I can find some fresh basil.
Take care and best wishes for a great weekend!
Natasha.
Privet and Holly says
I know when I get
home I will face a
basil jungle, so
this recipe will be
handy to have! Love
your markers, too!
xx Suzanne
Madeline says
Hi Lisa! I hope you had a great vacation! We have tons of basil growing so I've made your pesto twice in the last week. It's fantastic! Thanks for the recipe