Basil 101: Pesto
Serves 1 cup
Ingredients
- ½ cup toasted pine nuts
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 small garlic clove
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves
- ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for a smoother pesto
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese, optional
Instructions
- In a food processor, combine the pine nuts, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and several grinds of pepper. Pulse until well chopped.
- Add the basil and pulse until combined.
- With the food processor running, drizzle in the olive oil and pulse until combined. Add the Parmesan cheese, if using, and pulse to briefly combine. For a smoother pesto, add more olive oil.