How to Make Basil Pesto (Video)

This is a classic pesto with a little ForknPlate twist. It is such an easy pesto to make and it will inspire you to make all different types of pesto. You can spread this on a nice toasted baguette or even toss with your favorite pasta for a quick and easy dinner. This will take you about 10 minutes to make and people will think you’ve slaved over this for hours they can’t get enough. Trust.

What you need:

• a food processor
• 3 small cloves of peeled garlic (more if you are a garlic freak)
• 3 cups of washed, picked basil leaves
• 1 tsp of cracked black pepper
• 1/2 cup of olive oil (you may need a little more or less depending on how thick you want your pesto)
• 1/2 cup of pine nuts (you can substitute walnuts because pine nuts can be expensive)
• 3/4 cup of finely grated Pecorino (you can substitute Parmesan if you’d like)
• zest of 1/2 lemon

Make Basil Pesto:

1. Add your basil, garlic, lemon zest and black pepper to a food processor and pulse till incorporated.

2. As your processor is running slowly drizzle in your olive oil until smooth and the consistency you desire.

3. Open and check your consistency, if you want it smoother add some more oil and continue to process.

4. Add your pine nuts and pulse a few times until chopped.

5. We add the nuts last because we like them a little chunky, but if you don’t you can add them earlier.

6. Remove your pesto and mix in your cheese.

Quick Tip: You can change out your herbs and use parsley or even mint or anything you want to make pesto get creative!