Basil Walnut Pesto
Pesto is a favorite sauce for many, but I’m under the suspicion that most people don’t realize just how easy it is to make at home. As long as you have a food processor and a few key ingredients on hand, you’re good to go!
As far as those key ingredients I mentioned go, there are four essential players in pesto:
- fresh herbs (traditionally basil, but parsley and cilantro are both delicious substitutes)
- nuts (pine nuts are the classic go-to, but I actually prefer others)
- olive oil (a good-quality extra virgin is the best option)
- cheese (parmesan is a good staple, but other salty hard cheeses add nice flavor)
On top of that, fresh garlic, a spritz of fresh citrus, and salt & pepper do wonders to round out the flavor.
Pesto can be served atop al dente pasta, stirred into soups, smeared onto crispy crostini, eaten with crackers & crudites, spread onto sandwiches, or mixed into softened cream cheese as a dip.
Let your palate lead the way as to what herbs and nuts you use, and allow your imagination to run wild when it comes to serving your delicious homemade pesto!
