Menu

Homemade Pesto Sauce

How To Make Pesto

Basil is probably my favorite herb of all. It’s that magical taste and smell that is driving me completely crazy! Basil has such a strong aroma and I LOVE when it spreads all around the house. One sprig of this fresh herb can completely change the taste of your salad or other dish!

My love for basil led me to start growing it at home. I am doing that for few years now and results are really awesome. They grow really well in my conditions.

Basil Leaves

Apart from adding basil to various dishes I also love making homemade pesto out of it. This Italian sauce is so versatile! You can use it in salads, pastas, soups… whatever you like! It is also great for appetizer toppings.

This post includes a step-by-step process of making pesto at home. Let’s do it!

First of all, it needs to be said that I used a mortar and pestle to make this pesto (authentic way) but it’s fine to use a food processor too. It is said that mortar and pestle method releases more flavors and aromatic oils. The texture of pesto is different too. Everyone has to try both versions to feel the true difference by themselves!

For this homemade pesto you will need: basil, pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan cheese, olive oil and salt. The authentic Italian pesto recipe requires the addition of another cheese – Pecorino Romano. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to find this cheese in my town so I will use only Parmesan. If you want to use Pecorino, the ratio of Parmesan to Pecorino should be 3 to 1.

Basil Pesto Recipe

Start by pounding garlic with salt.

How to make a Basil Pesto with a Mortar and Pestle

Add pine nuts and keep pounding.

Classic Basil Pesto

Now it’s time for the most important ingredient – basil. Add few leaves and start crushing them by pressing and rotating the pestle against the walls of the mortar. I would recommend adding basil in batches if your mortar is a smaller one like mine.

After a few minutes of work you will have a thick mixture.

How To Make Pesto From Scratch

Stir in Parmesan cheese. It’s almost done!

Pesto Recipe With Step-By-Step Photos

Finish the sauce by adding the olive oil.

Homemade Basil Pesto

Mix everything well till the olive oil is evenly distributed.

Homemade Pesto

That’s it! The result should be a creamy, thick pesto sauce. The taste? Strong aroma of basil, with hints of garlic and cheese. Enjoy it!

Homemade Pesto Sauce

I hope you love this guide and don’t forget to check out my many other recipes too.

How To Make Pesto

Homemade Pesto Recipe

Print Pin Rate
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Author: Yummy Addiction

Ingredients

  • 2 cups lightly packed fresh basil leaves
  • 1 small garlic clove , cut into several pieces
  • a pinch of sea salt
  • 1 tablespoon pine nuts
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil

Instructions

  • Gently wash basil leaves (the stems should be discarded) and dry on paper towels. Don’t rub them. Set aside.
  • To make the pesto, pound the garlic with salt in a mortar and pestle until smooth. Add pine nuts and keep pounding until crushed and creamy. Add the basil leaves (in batches) and start crushing them by pressing and rotating the pestle against the walls of the mortar. Pound, until you have a thick green paste.
  • Stir in Parmesan cheese. Gradually add the olive oil to the mixture as you pound. Mix everything well till the olive oil is evenly distributed.
  • Use immediately or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

No Comments

    Leave a Reply

    Recipe Rating




    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.