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Home » Full selection of recipes » The best basil pesto made at home

The best basil pesto made at home

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basil pesto made at home with basil, garlic, pecorino cheese, pine nuts and olive oil

Basil Pesto is a fantastic, tasty quick sauce. It originates from Genoa, in the Liguria region where Mediterranean pine nuts grow in abundance, the best basil in the world is grown and the many olive trees are shaping the landscape. No wonder then, how these ingredients are marring together so well. 

How long will Basil pesto keep in the fridge?

Homemade basil pesto can last up to 7 days in the fridge, if stored in an airtight container and the surface covered in olive oil

Can I freeze Basil pesto?

Basil pesto freezes very well, I find ice cube trays perfect for the job, as I can freeze individual portions. Do not reheat the pesto, just defrost at room temperature for about one hour before use.

Let's Make pesto together

basil pesto made at home with basil, garlic, pecorino cheese, pine nuts and olive oil

Ingredients:

  • 60 g Basil leaves
  • 60 g Extra virgin olive oil
  • 30 g Pine nuts
  • 20 g Grated Pecorino cheese
  • 10 g Garlic
  • Salt and Pepper to taste

Watch our video for step by step instructions

Method: 

  1. Set up your food processor with the smallest bowl available as it will be easier to blitz.
  2. Place all the ingredients inside: the basil, garlic, pine nuts, olive oil and some seasoning.
  3. Blitz using the PULSE button, the result should look like a finely chopped basil and nuts, not a paste.
  4. Decant into a larger bowl, add the grated Pecorino and mix well.
  5. Adjust the seasoning to taste

What can i serve pesto sauce with? 

Basil pesto is perfect for any pasta shape or potato gnocchi. No need to warm up the sauce, just add pesto to freshly cooked hot pasta or gnocchi and enjoy! 

Try adding pesto to caprese salad or tomato bruschetta!

This is a great vegetarian sauce which can be easily made at home.

Check out selection of our traditional Italian dishes: 

  • Peperonata 
  • Sicilian Caponata
  • Parmesan Crusted Asparagus
  • Roasted carrots with cumin 
basil pesto made at home with basil, garlic, pecorino cheese, pine nuts and olive oil

Basil Pesto

Basil Pesto is easy and quick to make at home, all you will need is basil, pine nuts, Pecorino cheese, garlic and olive oil. Fantastic pasta sauce recipe!
5 from 7 votes
Print Pin Rate
Course: Pasta, Side Dish
Cuisine: Italian, Mediterranean
Diet: Gluten Free, Vegetarian
Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 1 minute minute
Servings: 6 people
Calories: 200kcal
Author: Daniele Gallo

Equipment

  • Scale
  • Food Processor
  • Large bowl
  • silicon spatula

Ingredients

  • 60 g Basil leaves
  • 60 g Extra virgin olive oil
  • 30 g Pine nuts
  • 20 g Grated Pecorino cheese
  • 10 g Garlic
  • Salt and Pepper to taste

Instructions

  • Set up your food processor with the smallest bowl available as it will be easier to blitz.
  • Place inside the basil, garlic, pine nuts, olive oil and some seasoning.
  • Blitz using the PULSE button, the result should look like a finely chopped basil and nuts, not a paste.
  • Decant into a larger bowl, add the grated Pecorino and mix well.
  • Adjust the seasoning to taste

Video

HINT AND TIPS:

Using a food processor is the quickest way, but if it is not available, you can opt for an old school pestle and mortar.
Alternatively, finely chop the basil, garlic, and pine nuts with a chef knife, before adding the oil and cheese.
Allergens: MILK, NUTS
Suitable for vegetarians, Gluten Free

Nutrition

Calories: 200kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 20g

Loving this recipe? Share it with your friends and family! 

You must try our zucchini pesto  or what about an amazing spinach arugula pesto!? Just remember to cook a bit extra pasta for a pasta frittata the next day! Looking for something to take you mind of things? Relax with a super easy to make at home Sidecar Martini!

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Next Post: How to make the best homemade gnocchi »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. elly says

    20/05/2020 at 23:47

    5 stars
    Yumm i love pesto this looks so vibrant!

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  2. Amy says

    21/05/2020 at 00:05

    5 stars
    Great recipe and also a great reminder to actually make this at home. So expensive to buy and of course how fresh can it be right? I love pesto stirred through a chicken or shrimp pasta. The smells and flavours are out of this world. I’m so going to try this! BTW, trying to grow basil….. not so happening! ha!

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  3. Saif says

    21/05/2020 at 03:33

    I will love to make this basil pesto sauce in my pasta dish. Now I don’t need to buy a ready made pesto sauce in the grocery. Homemade sauce are the best.

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  4. Leslie says

    21/05/2020 at 14:44

    5 stars
    Your pesto looks amazing! I never make pesto at home but it’s about time I give it a try!

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    Reply
  5. Debra says

    21/05/2020 at 15:31

    5 stars
    YUM! I just planted oodles of basil plants in the garden. Going to pin this so I’ll have it on hand when the basil is ready to pick.

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  6. Amanda Marie says

    21/05/2020 at 16:52

    I love pesto, but have never made it with pecorino cheese. Must try!

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  7. Maren says

    21/05/2020 at 22:05

    5 stars
    This pesto sounds so good! I love basil pesto

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5 from 7 votes (2 ratings without comment)

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