5.19.2011

Fresh Basil Pesto

I adore fresh basil. I love cooking with it and putting it on anything that I can. It can get pricey which leads a lot of people to use the dried basil found in a pre-packaged spice canister. I definitely used to be one of those people until I had the real thing.  And I can now tell you that it is just not the same! After countless trips to the grocery store to buy fresh basil, I decided that it was time for me to purchase a few basil plants to grow myself. I bought two basil plants, because you can never have enough basil, and one thyme plant. I have had these plants for just over a month and they have already doubled in size...look!


So what do you do with too much basil? You make fresh pesto of course!

You Will Need:
  • 2 cups fresh basil leaves, packed
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan – Reggiano
  • 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/3 cup pine nuts or walnuts
  • 3 medium sized garlic cloves, minced
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Here We Go:
  • Combine the basil in with the pine nuts, pulse a few times in food processor or blender
  • Add garlic, pulse a few times more
  •  Slowly add the olive oil in a constant stream while the food processor is on
  • Stop to scrape down the sides of the food processor with a rubber spatula
  • Add the grated cheese and pulse again until blended
  • Add a pinch of salt and pepper to taste
Makes 1 Cup
Happy Feasting!


7 comments:

Maris (In Good Taste) said...

This is a fantastic post! My brother loves pesto and I will make this for him using fresh basil.

Joanna said...

YAY for fresh herbs! I've been thinking about doing a fresh garden in my window too but I'm worried that my kitchen window doesn't get enough sun. Any advice?

Kate said...

Hey Joanna! As far as direct sunlight, mine seem to be thriving in the window that gets the most. I would just try to see which window the sun seems to hit and your herbs should be good to go! Let me know how it turns out!

Roxana GreenGirl said...

I have some plants too in front of the house, 3 types of basil, some thyme, oregano, mint and sage. Planted some more seeds but nothing came out :(
Your potted plants look great, love making my own pesto.
thanks for sharing your version, hope you're having a great time

Erin said...

Love fresh basil, and I love pesto!!! Not my hubby's favorite, so I have to do equal parts spinach, basil, and parsley for him to eat it. Still very yummy though!

The Harried Cook said...

Your basil plants look wonderful. I am really bad with growing plants...I think I have a brown thumb.

I adore basil pesto! Thanks for sharing your recipe :)

briarrose said...

I'm so jealous of your basil. I meant to plant some this year and it totally slipped my mind. I have deep love for the purple basils.

Beautiful pesto.