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Pesto alla Genovese

Delicious Pesto alla Genovese: Your Go-To Italian Condiment

Pesto alla Genovese is a vibrant Italian sauce made in under five minutes, perfect for elevating your dishes with rich, herbal flavor.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Pasta
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 100

Ingredients
  

For the Base
  • 1 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil High-quality
  • 0.5 cup Pine Nuts Toasted
  • 1 clove Garlic Peeled
  • 0.25 teaspoon Salt Heaping
For the Herbs
  • 2 cups Fresh Italian Basil Leaves Small, tender leaves
  • 1 cup Fresh Italian Parsley Optional
For the Cheese
  • 0.5 cup Parmigiano-Reggiano Cheese Grated
  • 0.5 cup Pecorino Romano Cheese Grated, optional for vegan version

Equipment

  • blender
  • skillet

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Begin by heating a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the pine nuts and continuously swirl them around for about 3-4 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and fragrant.
  2. While the pine nuts cool, remove the basil leaves from their stems, collecting about 2 cups. Rinse the leaves thoroughly under cold water, then soak them in a bowl of ice water for about 5 minutes.
  3. In a blender or food processor, combine 1 cup of high-quality extra virgin olive oil, the cooled pine nuts, and 1 clove of peeled garlic. Add a heaping ¼ teaspoon of salt and pulse the mixture until well combined.
  4. Gradually add half of the prepared basil and parsley into the blender. Blend on low until mixed, then add the remaining basil and repeat, pulsing just enough to combine.
  5. If ready to serve, add in a generous handful of grated Parmigiano-Reggiano and Pecorino Romano cheese, blending just enough to incorporate.
  6. To store leftovers, transfer the pesto into an airtight container, drizzle a thin layer of olive oil on top, seal tightly, and refrigerate for up to a week.

Nutrition

Serving: 1tablespoonCalories: 100kcalCarbohydrates: 3gProtein: 2gFat: 9gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 5mgSodium: 120mgPotassium: 50mgFiber: 1gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 100mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Keep all ingredients very cold to avoid browning and preserve vibrant color. Avoid over-blending for a rustic texture.

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