How To Make Fresh Basil Pesto

Here is a step-by-step guide for making fresh basil pesto from scratch:

Here is a step-by-step guide for making basil pesto sauce:

What is Basil Pesto? The most popular variety of pesto now is made by "crushing" basil, garlic, pine nuts, olive oil and some hard cheese. Originally from Genoa, Italy, pesto traces its name to the Italian word "pestare," which means "to crush or pound." For hundreds of years, pesto has been made by pounding the ingredients in a mortar and pestle. Its origins can be traced back to Roman times when Genoans would crush walnuts with herbs and garlic.

1. Ingredients:

• 2 cups (250g) fresh basil;
• 1/2-(62g) extra virgin olive oil;
• 2-3 garlic cloves, minced;
• 1 lemon juice;
• 1/3 cup-(67g) pine nuts (or chopped walnuts);
• 1/2 parmesan cheese;
• 1/4 salt or more to taste;
• 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper, or more to taste;
• 1 teaspoon sugar to taste, not necessary some are added.

2. Instructions:

• 1. Place the basil leaves and pine nuts into the bowl of a food processor and pulse several times.. use more basil for a green finish if you use to much walnuts.

• 2. Add the minced garlic, parmesan cheese, in a food processor and pulse several times again.

• 3. Pour in the olive oil, slowly while the processor is running.
• 4. Add salt, freshly ground black pepper. Stir to combine.

This basil pesto sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week, or you can freeze it for future use. Enjoy your homemade basil pesto sauce on your delicious homemade pizza!