I looooove pesto, and I love that it is so quick & easy to make. #Pesto is great for pasta sauces, sandwich fillers or great as an alternative pizza base.
I hope you enjoy the recipe and if you have any questions, feel free to comment below.
Equipment needed
Pestle and mortar - If you want to make a more authentic pesto. It will take more time but if that's the way you prefer your pesto than I would definitely recommend. I like the both methods. If I have time I'll use my pestle & mortar but when I really fancy pesto and I don't have the time that's when the food processor comes in.
Food Processor - If you love to cook than I would definitely recommend purchasing a food processor. They can be pretty in expensive and mine has lasted me at least 6 years and I'm not good at looking after my cooking equipment!!
Ingredients
2 cups of basil
1/2 cup of grated ramono (or parmesan cheese - usually not vegetarian friendly)
1/2 cup of olive oil
1/3 cup of pine nuts
Tablespoon of lemon juice
2 cloves of garlic
Season with salt and pepper
Can be adjusted to nut free - if you omit the pine nuts
Dairy free/vegan friendly - swap for a vegan cheese or nutritional yeast
You can swap the pine nuts too - for walnuts, almonds or cashews - as they are an expensive auld nut
Method
Add the basil leaves and pine nuts into the food processor and blitz for 1-2 minutes.
The add the garlic, lemon juice and cheese. If the cheese, garlic and stick to the side of the food processor use a spatula to scrape down the sides.
Then start to slowly add in the olive oil. On a low setting start to slowly add in the olive oil. By adding the olive oil in slowly it'll keep the olive oil from separating. Again scrape down the sides of the food processor if needed.
Finally season with salt and pepper.
All you need to do then is add it to your favourite pasta dish, spread on some toasted sourdough or dollop it on top of your homemade pizza.
#Tip: If you're making a pasta dish, keep 1 cup of that starchy pasta water. Add your pesto to your pasta and then if you want to loosen up the sauce add in a some of that lovely pasta sauce until its reached your desired consistency.
If you liked the recipe let me know and for other #recipes you can check out my Instagram #coleman_nutrition