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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:

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

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  2. 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?

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  3. 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!

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  4. 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

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  5. 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!

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  6. 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 :)

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  7. 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.

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