Homemade Pesto

Serving: Makes about 1 1/2 cups

You will need: a baking tray, a mortar and pestle (pictured). If you don't have a mortar and pestle, you can use a blender or bowl and the head of a rolling pin as an alternative.

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup pine nuts or coarsely chopped walnuts (6 ounces)
• 5 cups basil leaves, chilled and perfectly dry
• 6 small garlic cloves, quartered
• 1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan (or Pecorino) cheese
• 3/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper

Step 1    

Preheat the oven to 400°. Toast the nuts on a baking sheet for about 4 minutes, or until lightly browned.

Step 2    

Coarsely chop the basil leaves. Combine the basil and garlic in a mortar and pound to a coarse paste using the pestle. Add the nuts and pound again until smooth. Stir in the Parmesan and or Pecorino, then 3/4 cup of the olive oil. Transfer the pesto to a bowl and season with salt and pepper to taste!

Step 3

Enjoy on zoodles (zucchini noodles), salad wraps, omelettes, meat, or anthing that is improved by sauce!

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