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basil pesto to freeze recipe
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5 from 1 vote

Basil pesto

Lovely easy to make recipe that can be used with very many different foods (not just pasta).
Course Dip, ingredient, Side Dish
Cuisine Italian
Keyword basil pesto, basil pesto to freeze
Prep Time 2 minutes
Cook Time 6 minutes
Total Time 8 minutes
Servings 16 cubes
Calories 36kcal
Cost per serving £0.19

Equipment

  • 1 Large frying plan optional
  • 1 Food mill or Food Processor

Ingredients

  • 100 g Fresh basil leaves 2 cups
  • 3 cloves Garlic
  • 45 g Pine nuts 1/3 cup
  • 50 g Parmesan cheese grated - 1/2 cup
  • 125 ml Olive oil 1/2 cup
  • Salt and Pepper
  • 1 Lemon Optional

Instructions

Toast the pine nuts - (optional but recommended)

  • Add the pine nuts into a frying pan (or wok). Over medium heat, toast them for 2–3 minutes until golden and fragrant. Let them cool.

Make the pesto

  • Put the basil leaves, toasted pine nuts, and garlic into a food processor. Blend until finely chopped.
  • Add the grated Parmesan and spin a few times to mix.
  • Then with the processor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the mixture is smooth and emulsified. Scrape down the sides as needed.
  • Add salt to taste. If desired, add a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the flavour.

To freeze the pesto

  • Carefully spoon into an ice cube tray and freeze for at least 3 hours (ideally overnight)

Video

Nutrition

Serving: 1cube | Calories: 36kcal