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Classic Basil Pesto

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A canning jar of fresh basil pesto with garlic and cheese
Prep Time: 
15 minutes
Number of Servings: 
2 cups (Serves 6)
Recipe Source: 
Summer Gatherings: Casual Food to Enjoy with Family and Friends by Rick Rodgers ($17.95, William Morrow, 2008)

Ingredients

  • 2 garlic cloves, crushed under a knife and peeled
  • 1⁄3 cup pine nuts, walnuts, or almonds
  • 1⁄2 cup (2 oz) freshly grated Parmesan or Romano, or a combination
  • 3 cups packed fresh basil leaves, well rinsed and dried in a salad spinner
  • 1⁄2 cup extra-virgin olive oil, plus more to cover pesto
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Directions

  1. With the machine running, drop garlic through the feed tube of a food processor. Add nuts and cheese, and process until nuts are finely chopped. Add the basil. With machine running, gradually add oil, scraping down the sides of the work bowl as needed to make a thick paste. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  2. Transfer pesto to a shallow container and smooth the mixture. Pour a thin film of olive oil over pesto to inhibit discoloration. Cover container and refrigerate until ready to use. (The pesto can be stored for up to 3 weeks, covered and refrigerated. Bring to room temperature before using.)
Nutrition Info: 
With pine nuts and parmesan: 262 Calories, 6 g Protein, 8 mg Cholesterol, 2 g Carbohydrates, 0 g Total sugars (0 g Added sugars), 1 g Fiber, 26 g Total fat (5 g sat), 147 mg Sodium, ★★★★★ Vitamin K, ★★ Vitamin A, Vitamin E, Phosphorus, ★ Calcium

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