Ingredients for Basil Pesto
- 3 C gently packed fresh basil leaves
- 1 C fresh parsley
- 1.5 C walnuts
- 1.5 C grated parmesan cheese
- 1 t. minced garlic
- about 1/4 t ground white pepper
- 2 t. course salt
- 1 C olive oil
Instructions
STEP 1
Get the kiddos to help clean the basil – ours loves using the salad spinner after soaking the leaves in cold water in the sink! Make sure the basil is well dried off from cleaning before starting to make the pesto. Excess water can cause the pesto to seize up and separate. If this happens, it is okay, it will still combine when tossed with pasta. It just doesn’t look perfect.
STEP 2
Pulse the basil leaves in the food processor a few times, then add the walnuts, parsley, and parmesan cheese. Blend these until they start to look well-processed.
STEP 3
While leaving the food processor on, gradually add the olive oil (use the drizzle cup that fits on the lid of the food processor if you have one) until it is all blended and has a rough, pastie texture.
STEP 4
Add the garlic and salt and blend to combine
STEP 5
Freeze in .5 C, .75 C and 1 C. amounts and enjoy on pasta (or get creative!) for a convenient, quick meal in the future.
NOTE: Do not heat the pesto before using. Bring to room temperature and toss with hot pasta. Heating will cause the pesto to clump.
(Makes about 2.5 cups)