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Basic Pesto

Course Sauces
Servings 2 People

Ingredients

  • 4 c basil leaves (and/or cilantro dill, oregano, mint, fennel)
  • 1/2 c garlic (red onion or shallots)
  • 1/2 c pine nuts (walnuts pecans, almonds, macadamia, etc.)
  • 1/2 c olive oil (canola corn, peanut)
  • 1/2 c Parmesan cheese (no cheese in mixture feta, goat or others sprinkled on top)
  • Salt and Pepper

Instructions

  • Place all ingredients in a blender and puree.

Notes

Use in pasta, as a sandwich spread, mixed into a salad dressing, etc.
Additional Comments:
Traditionally we have basil, garlic, olive oil, pine nuts, and Parmesan cheese. Nice, but let's veer of the beaten path. Cilantro, dill, oregano, mint and fennel all make delightful a pesto sauce. See our recipes for Asian Pesto, Santa Fe Pesto, Dill Pesto, and Fennel Pesto.