Pesto Sauce
Pesto is a vibrant and flavorful dish that is one of the simplest sauces to make. Very versatile, healthy, bright and delicious, Pesto happens to be my son’s favorite pasta sauce so we make it often and always have it on hand at our house.
I love making pesto any time of year but especially love during the summer when I can pick fresh basil from my garden. While store bought it easy there’s nothing quite like making your own fresh pesto that’s easy to prepare and diverse to use.
Ingredients
4 cups fresh basil leaves
1/3 cup pine nuts
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil (you may need more)
2-3 tablespoons grated Parmesan Cheese
2 cloves of garlic, roughly chopped
salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Combine basil leaves, pine nuts, grated parmesan, and garlic to a food processor. Pulse until the mixture is finely chopped.
With the food processor running slowly stream in the oil through the top opening until the pesto is emulsified and brightly colored. If it is on the thick side, add a little water (pasta water is great for this, but if you only have tap, that will work, too), if it’s too thin, add more greens. Season with salt and pepper, keep tasting the pesto as you blend to add more spices or oil. It’s really up to you on consistency and exact taste you are looking for.
Toss with pasta, add to salmon or chicken, spread on bread, use as a condiment on your sandwich.
