Basic Basil Pesto

By eveweb

Swap talk: Use walnuts or pecans for the pine nuts. You can also replace half the basil with arugula or parsley. Or try cilantro along with pumpkin seeds.

Ingredients

• Coarse salt and ground pepper
• 1 garlic clove, peeled
• 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts
• 3 cups packed fresh basil leaves (2 1/4 ounces)
• 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan

Preparation

Step 1

On a cutting board, sprinkle 1/4 teaspoon salt over garlic and roughly chop. Using a flat side of the knife blade, crush mixture into a thick paste. Add to a food processor with pine nuts, basil, and 1 tablespoon oil. Pulse until ingredients are finely chopped. With machine running, add remaining oil in a slow, steady stream. Add Parmesan and pulse to combine. Season with salt and pepper.