Basil Pesto Sause
Basil pesto is a treat and the best way to enjoy basil.
Ingredients
- A large bunch of basil about 3-4 cups of leaves
- 3 cloves of garlic add more or less depending on taste
- 1/3 to 1/2 cup roasted pine nuts cashews, macadamia nuts or roasted almonds
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan or Pecorino
- 1/2 cup good quality olive oil
- Sea salt
Instructions
- Pick the leaves and wash them in a bowl of water. Dry immediately in a colander and then on a clean tea towel. The leaves will turn black if left in the water for too long.
- Put basil leaves, nuts of your choice and salt into food processor. Blend it until finely chopped.
- Add grated Parmesan and crushed garlic. Whiz it until combined.
- Add olive oil and process again. For a smooth pesto, run the food processor for a bit longer.
Notes
Use the quantities as a guide only and don't be afraid to experiment. To be honest, I don't follow the recipe anymore. I just pick some basil leaves from the garden, add few cloves of garlic, salt, nuts, Parmesan or Pecorino cheese and some good olive oil. Traditionally, pine nuts are used in basil pesto recipe, but I often substitute macadamia or cashew nuts for pine nuts.
