What You’ll Need:
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/3 cup pine nuts
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
Start by washing the fresh basil leaves and patting them dry. Remove any tough stems and set aside. Grate the Parmesan cheese and mince the garlic cloves. All set? Let’s move on to the next step!
Step 2: Blend It Up
Add the basil leaves, grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, pine nuts, salt, and freshly ground black pepper to your blender. Secure the lid tightly in place and blend on medium speed for about 20 seconds. Pause and scrape down the sides of the blender jar with a spatula, then blend again for another 10-20 seconds until the ingredients are well combined and form a thick paste.
Step 3: Drizzle in the Olive Oil
With the blender running on low speed, slowly drizzle in the extra virgin olive oil. This will help emulsify the pesto, giving it a smooth and creamy texture. Continue blending until all the oil has been incorporated and the pesto reaches your desired consistency. For a thinner sauce, you may add a little more olive oil and blend for a few more seconds.
Step 4: Taste and Adjust
The best way to ensure your pesto is perfectly seasoned is by tasting it. Give it a quick taste and adjust the salt and pepper to your preference. If the flavors are well balanced, your pesto is ready to be enjoyed!
Step 5: Storing Your Pesto
If you’re not planning to use your pesto right away, transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. Pesto can be kept for up to one week, but for optimal flavor, try to use it within the first few days. You can also freeze pesto in ice cube trays and transfer the frozen cubes to a freezer-safe bag for longer storage.
There you have it, a simple and foolproof method for making pesto using your blender. Whether you’re adding it to pasta, spreading it on sandwiches, or using it as a marinade, homemade pesto will elevate your dishes to a whole new level. So grab your blender and get ready to indulge in the delightful flavors of homemade pesto perfection!