It's rare that I post a savory recipe, but when I do, you know it's something special…like this recipe for Perfect Pesto from one of my favorite cookbooks, Vegetables From an Italian Garden. Pesto is a simple enough thing to make, with few variations on ingredients; however this recipe seems to have found the perfected quantities of basil, pine nuts, cheeses, and oil. This is not the time to cut corners; freshly grated Parmesan and Pecorino cheeses make this pesto absolutely sumptuous. I love finding a recipe that will permanently replace all others!
{photo by Freutcake}
Perfect Pesto- recipe adapted from Vegetables From an Italian Garden
2 cups packed basil leaves
½ cup extra virgin olive oil
⅓ cup pine nuts
⅓ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
⅓ cup freshly grated Pecorino Romano cheese
¼ teaspoon of salt
dash of black pepper
In a food processor blend basil, olive oil, pine nuts, salt and pepper until finely chopped. Add cheese and pulse just until combined. Serve over pasta and store in a jar with tightly fitted lid in the fridge.
*Freutcake Tip: This recipe doubles or quadruples nicely! I made a huge batch and plan to freeze it.
Erica says
Looks amazing!!
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christin says
love me some pesto, especially with cheese which i cannot have. i can do ttthhiiss! lol.
Lauren says
Thanks for sharing!! YUM!
Jacquelyn | lark&linen says
Pesto is my very favourite thing to make - so easy and so satisfying
I'll have to try your version!
freutcake says
Isn't it the best?! I love the flavor that the Pecorino adds to this recipe.
Lane culpepper says
Yum! I like to make sandwiches with pesto. This looks like a great recipe
freutcake says
Lane- it's totally the best! I will make you a jar. 😉
Sarah says
Pesto is truly the best, and I've been eating it nonstop! As a break from pasta, it's good in mozzarella and tomato grilled cheese, and even stirred into farro. A must-make in the summer.
freutcake says
Yes! I love using Pesto on sandwiches as well. I'll have to try it on farro next!
The Cuisinerd says
Hello deliciousness! Can you fax me some??
freutcake says
No fax machine but I can send you some by pigeon! 😉