Description
Want to learn how to make an authentic Italian Genovese Pesto or Pesto alla Genovese? Using traditional Italian methods this basil pesto is the real deal.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 3 garlic cloves
- 1/4 cup pine nuts or walnuts (I often prefer to use walnuts, but choose pine nuts for a traditional recipe)
- 2 cups of fresh basil or 1 large bunch
- 1/3–1/2 cup parmesan cheese freshly grated
- 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
Instructions
- Finely chop basil, garlic, and nuts into tiny pieces.
- Add chopping ingredients to a large mortar and pestle (or a large bowl) and begin to slowly add the olive oil, salt, and parmesan cheese, while grinding the ingredients together using the mortar and pestle or a large spoon.
- Continue until all ingredients are well combines and a vibrant pesto sauce has formed.
- Taste as you go and add more olive oil, salt, garlic, or parmesan to meet your personal preferences.
- Spoon pesto into glass jars and top with a layer of olive oil.
- Store in the refrigerator for ~1 week, or in the freezer for homemade fresh pesto all year long
- Note: See instructions above for tips on making pesto using a food processor.
Notes
This pesto will keep in a refrigerator for up to a week and will keep in the freezer for about a year if you place it in an airtight container. My recommendation is to make a big batch during the summer when pesto ingredients are fresh and in season to enjoy all year round.
