Italian Basil Pesto (Pesto alla Genovese) Recipe
This classic Italian Basil Pesto, also known as Pesto alla Genovese, is a vibrant and flavorful sauce made from fresh basil, pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and extra virgin olive oil. Perfect for pasta, sandwiches, or as a condiment, this homemade pesto is simple to prepare and elevates any dish with its fragrant and rich taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: About 3/4 cup pesto 1x
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh basil (both stems and leaves, packed)
- 1/3 cup pine nuts
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 pinch kosher salt
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Gather fresh basil leaves and stems, pine nuts, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic cloves, fresh lemon juice, kosher salt, and extra virgin olive oil for the pesto.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the fresh basil, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, extra virgin olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, and kosher salt into the bowl of a food processor.
- Pulse and Blend: Pulse the ingredients several times until they start to combine. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure even mixing, then blend for an additional 30 seconds to fully incorporate the ingredients. For a smoother pesto, blend for a longer time as desired.
- Serve or Store: Use the fresh pesto immediately to enhance your meals, or transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate. To prevent discoloration, cover the surface with a thin layer of olive oil before sealing.
Notes
- Store pesto in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- To freeze, spoon pesto into ice cube trays, freeze, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
- Using both stems and leaves of basil adds more flavor and reduces waste.
- Adjust garlic and lemon juice to taste for personalized flavor intensity.
Keywords: Italian basil pesto, Pesto alla Genovese, homemade pesto, basil sauce, pesto recipe, garlic pine nut sauce
