This pesto has a nutty quality with an added burst of freshness from the lemon juice.
Course
Main
Cuisine
Italian
Prep Time15minutes
Total Time15minutes
Servings1cup
AuthorLemons & Anchovies
Ingredients
3cupstightly packed fresh basil leaves
1/2 - 3/4cupolive oilUse the larger amount if you like an looser pesto
1/4 - 1/2cuppine nutsand/or combination pistachio and pine nuts Toast in a dry pan for 2 - 3 minutes on medium heat until fragrant. Cool slightly before processing with basil leaves
2 - 3clovesgarlicpeeled
Salt to taste
1/3cupfreshly grated parmigiano
Juice of about half a lemon
Instructions
Put all the ingredients, except the cheese, in a food processor and process until smooth. Add a tablespoon at a time of the lemon juice until you are satisfied with the level of acidity. I usually add two tablespoons while processing and add more later. Pour the sauce into a bowl and stir in the parmigiano. Stir into your favorite pasta. I like to drizzle extra olive oil and lemon to my plate.
This will be enough pesto for a pound of pasta with some leftover (roughly one cup) Cover the unused portion with plastic wrap and refrigerate (or freeze). This will keep well for several days.