Description
Jamie Oliver’s pesto is a traditional Italian green sauce made with fresh basil leaves, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, garlic, extra virgin olive oil, and lemon. It’s typically used as a pasta sauce, marinade, or topping and is known for its fresh, herby, nutty, and cheesy flavor profile.
Ingredients
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- 2 large handfuls of fresh basil leaves
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- 1 small handful of pine nuts (about 30g)
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- 1 garlic clove, peeled
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- 50g Parmesan cheese, finely grated
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- Extra virgin olive oil (approx. 100ml, adjust as needed)
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- Juice of ½ lemon (optional)
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- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Toast the pine nuts (optional)
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Lightly toast the pine nuts in a dry skillet for 2–3 minutes until golden. Let them cool.
Step 2: Blend the ingredients
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In a food processor, combine basil, pine nuts, garlic, and Parmesan.
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Pulse a few times to combine.
Step 3: Add the oil
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With the processor running, slowly drizzle in olive oil until the mixture reaches your desired consistency.
Step 4: Finish with lemon and seasonings
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Stir in lemon juice, if using, and season with salt and pepper. Blend again briefly.
Step 5: Serve or store
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Use immediately or store in the fridge in an airtight container with a layer of olive oil on top.