Pesto

pesto

Did you buy a basil plant from us and now have LOTS of fresh basil? Try this pesto recipe. It’s a great way to use that basil you’ve been nurturing since spring!

Ingredients

  • 3 garlic cloves, unpeeled
  • 2 cups packed fresh basil
  • ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • ¼ cup pine nuts, almonds, or walnuts, toasted (We like using pine nuts!)
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 Tablespoons fresh parsley
  • Salt and pepper
  • 1 pound prepared pasta, reserving 1/4 cup of cooking water

Directions

  • Toast the garlic in a skillet over medium heat, shaking the pan occasionally, until fragrant and spotty brown, about 7 minutes. Transfer the garlic to a plate and allow it to cool before peeling.
  • Process the peeled garlic, basil, oil, nuts, Parmesan, and parsley in a blender or food processor until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • When tossing pesto with pasta, add some of the pasta cooking water as needed to loosen the consistency of the pesto. Makes about 3/4 cup which is enough to sauce 1 pound of pasta.
  • *Pesto will keep in the refrigerator, stored in an airtight container, for up to 3 days, or in the freezer for up to 3 months.