Here's a basic Italian recipe that you can use for many dishes! The basic pesto sauce is a classic sauce used in much of Italian cooking.
For years many Italians felt strongly that this sauce should be made by hand, with a pestle and mortar. If you use a food processor you will get the same results. The sauce is served with different types of pasta, as a flavoring for soups, and on a fresh Mozzarella and tomato salad.
Basic Pesto Sauce
Ingredients
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1 large bunch Basil leaves (about 2 cups)
- 1/3 cup pine nuts
- salt
- fresh ground, black pepper
- 1 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
Directions
- Peel and crush the garlic cloves.
- Mince the basil leaves.
- Blend garlic, basil, and 1/2 cup olive oil, and cheese in a food processor or blender. Use low speed and stop often to stir.
- Gently blend in remainder of olive oil and the pine nuts.
- Let sit for an hour before using.
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