PROPER PESTO

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Proper Pesto image

There are lots of recipes people claim taste better if made by hand, but there's no easier case to prove that than pesto. The intensity of the flavors is beyond compare, and as if by some kind of magic, this gorgeous spread develops an addictive spiciness. You can taste each ingredient, and yet when smashed together, new and wonderful flavors are released.

Provided by Chef John

Categories     Side Dish     Sauces and Condiments Recipes     Sauce Recipes     Pasta Sauce Recipes     Vegetarian

Time 35m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 6

4 cloves garlic, peeled
¼ teaspoon kosher salt
1 large bunch fresh basil
3 tablespoons pine nuts
2 ounces finely grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
½ cup mild extra-virgin olive oil

Steps:

  • Crush garlic and pinch of kosher salt in a mortar with the pestle until garlic is mashed and paste-like, 1 or 2 minutes. Add basil in 3 or 4 additions, crushing and pounding down the leaves until they form a fairly fine paste, about 8 minutes or more depending on size of leaves and thickness of stems. Add and pound in pine nuts.
  • Transfer a handful of grated cheese to mortar and pound into the sauce. Add another handful of cheese and incorporate into the mixture. Continue adding cheese a handful at a time until completely incorporated, about 5 minutes.
  • Drizzle in olive oil 1 tablespoon at a time, pounding it into the sauce. When all the olive oil has been added and emulsified into the mixture, transfer pesto to a bowl and drizzle surface with olive oil.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 180.7 calories, Carbohydrate 1.7 g, Cholesterol 6.2 mg, Fat 17.8 g, Fiber 0.4 g, Protein 4.1 g, SaturatedFat 3.4 g, Sodium 169.4 mg, Sugar 0.2 g

Md Abubkro
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This pesto is a staple in my kitchen. I use it all the time. It's so versatile and it always makes my dishes taste amazing.


Abu Taher
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I'm addicted to this pesto! I put it on everything. It's so delicious and flavorful. I can't get enough of it.


Elizabeth Silva
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This pesto is simply stunning. It's the perfect balance of flavors and textures. I highly recommend this recipe.


Bright Banahene
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This pesto recipe is perfect for beginners. It's easy to follow and the results are amazing. I'm so glad I tried this recipe.


Muhammad Jafor Hawlader
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This pesto can easily be made vegan by omitting the Parmesan cheese. I love that I can still enjoy this delicious pesto even though I'm vegan.


Noluthando Nxumalo
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This pesto is gluten-free, which is great for people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. I love that I can enjoy this delicious pesto without having to worry about getting sick.


Nakkazi Cathy
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This pesto is very affordable to make. It's made with simple, everyday ingredients that you can find at any grocery store. I love that I can make a delicious, homemade pesto without breaking the bank.


Mahfuzur rahman Chowdhury
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This pesto is so quick and easy to make. It's perfect for busy weeknights when you don't have a lot of time to cook. I always have a jar of it in my fridge so I can whip up a delicious meal in minutes.


Brian Daniels
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This pesto is a great way to get your daily dose of healthy fats. It's made with olive oil, pine nuts, and Parmesan cheese, which are all good for your heart. I love using it as a dressing for salads or as a dip for vegetables.


Arney Guyette
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This pesto is the perfect balance of flavors. It's not too heavy or too light, and it has just the right amount of garlic and basil. I've used it on pasta, pizza, and even as a marinade for chicken. It's always delicious.


Bryce Brent
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I absolutely love this pesto recipe. It's so flavorful and easy to make. I've made it several times and it's always a hit with my family and friends.


William Everett Williamson
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This pesto is so easy to make and it's so versatile. I've used it on pasta, pizza, and even as a dip for vegetables. It's always a hit.


Ellen Ng
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I've tried many pesto recipes over the years, but this one is by far the best. The combination of basil, pine nuts, and Parmesan cheese is perfect. I've used it on pasta, pizza, and even as a marinade for chicken. It's always delicious.


Felix Catongo
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This pesto is the real deal! It's made with fresh, high-quality ingredients and it really shines through in the taste. I highly recommend this recipe.


Alauddin Ahamed
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I love this recipe! It's so simple, yet so flavorful. I've made it several times and it's always a hit with my family and friends.


Stephen Adebayo
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This pesto recipe is a keeper! It's so easy to make and it tastes amazing. I used it on pasta, pizza, and even as a dip for vegetables. It was delicious every time.