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How to Make Basil Pesto

How to Make Basil Pesto

I’ve been battling a cold/flu that’s been going around for over a week (and now I’m pretty sure I’ve contracted bronchitis as well), so this will have to be a quick post. I’m still getting my house in order after having to neglect it for so long.


How to Make Basil Pesto
While I had a fever, Reuben’s sister kindly brought over some basil and parsley fresh from the garden. I knew what I wanted to make with the basil: pesto! It’s so good on burgers, sandwiches, pizza, pasta, etc.

When I was feeling strong enough, I whipped up a batch and put it in the fridge. I’m planning on making a second batch and freezing it for winter.

Pesto is very easy to make. Just throw everything into a blender or food processor and process until smooth. Once you’ve made it a few times, you don’t even need a recipe! Customize to your preferences.

Need ideas for how to use your pesto?

Basil Pesto
recipe by Erica Kastner | makes 1 3/4 cup pesto | PRINT
Ingredients:
  • 4 cups loosely packed fresh basil leaves
  • 4-6 small (2-3 large) cloves of garlic, depending on how spicy you like your pesto
  • 1 cup parmesan cheese (you can use freshly shredded or grated, whatever you have on hand)
  • 1 cup nuts of choice (I used pecans and sprouted almonds, but you can use walnuts, pine nuts, pumpkin seeds, etc.)
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 3/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
Directions:
1) Place all ingredients except for the olive oil in a blender. Don’t get too carried away with the salt – remember that the cheese is salty.
2) Turn the blender on and pour in 1/2 cup of the olive oil. Add the rest if it’s too dry to blend all of the ingredients together. Blend until fairly smooth.
3) Spoon into a jar and refrigerate or freeze.

Erica Lea

Thursday 18th of August 2016

If you're going by the normal recommended time for leftovers, it should last a week. I would personally eat it if it was a few weeks old and didn't show any signs of going off, but you have to decide for yourself how risky you want to be. :)

Rosebud

Thursday 18th of August 2016

How long could pesto last in a refrigerator? I'm saying "could" because I don't imagine it lasts very long.

Erica Lea

Friday 25th of September 2015

Yes...I love the smell of pesto. Hope you had a nice day as well!

Erica Lea

Friday 25th of September 2015

Glad you enjoyed! :)

Erica Lea

Friday 25th of September 2015

Great idea, Elizabeth!