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Basil Pesto

Makes about 1⅓ cups

Ingredients
  

  • 1/4 cup (36 grams) pine nuts
  • 4 cups (960 grams) water
  • 4 cups (90 grams) fresh basil leaves
  • 1 teaspoon (3 grams) tightly packed lemon zest
  • 2 tablespoons (30 grams) fresh lemon juice
  • 1 clove (3 grams) garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup (50 grams) grated Parmigiano Reggiano cheese
  • 1/2 cup (110 grams) extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon (1.5 grams) kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon (1 gram) ground black pepper

Instructions

  • In a 10-inch cast-iron skillet, place pine nuts in a single layer. Cook over medium- low heat until fragrant and golden, 3 to 5 minutes. Transfer to a bowl, and let cool. Wipe skillet clean.
  • Fill a large bowl with ice water.
  • In same skillet, bring 4 cups (960 grams) water to a boil over medium-high heat. Working in batches if needed, add basil; cook, stirring occasionally, until vibrant green and wilted, 30 seconds to 1 minute. Remove using a slotted spoon, and immediately transfer to ice water bath to stop the cooking process. Let stand for 3 to 5 minutes. Drain well.
  • In the work bowl of a food processor, pulse pine nuts, lemon zest and juice, and garlic until coarsely ground. Add cheese, oil, salt, and pepper; pulse until well combined. Add basil, and pulse until chopped and incorporated, stopping to scrape sides of bowl. Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
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