Pesto is a classic Italian sauce made from fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil. It’s versatile and can be used in a variety of ways, such as a topping for pasta, a spread on bread or crackers, or as a delicious dip. This vibrant green sauce is packed with flavor and perfect for any occasion. In this recipe, we’re making a simple basil pesto with a twist by adding some cheese cubes to enhance the richness of the dish.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves (packed)
- 1/4 cup pine nuts (or walnuts)
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: 1/4 cup mozzarella cubes (for a richer pesto)
- Crackers for serving
- Cheese slices (like mozzarella or cheddar) for serving
Instructions:
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Prepare the Ingredients:
- Wash and dry the basil leaves thoroughly.
- Toast the pine nuts in a dry pan over medium heat until golden brown (be careful not to burn them).
- Peel the garlic cloves.
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Make the Pesto:
- In a food processor, add the basil, pine nuts, garlic, and Parmesan cheese. Pulse a few times to combine the ingredients.
- With the food processor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the pesto reaches your desired consistency. You can add more or less oil depending on whether you want a thicker or thinner pesto.
- Taste and season with salt and pepper.
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Add the Cheese (Optional):
- If you like a richer pesto, add small cubes of mozzarella to the mixture and pulse just to combine.
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Serve:
- Transfer the pesto to a small bowl and drizzle a little extra olive oil on top. Serve with crackers and slices of cheese, like mozzarella or cheddar.
Conclusion:
This homemade pesto is an easy and flavorful treat that’s perfect for entertaining guests or enjoying as a snack. The addition of mozzarella cubes gives it an extra creamy texture, and when paired with crackers and cheese, it makes for an irresistible bite. You can store any leftover pesto in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. Enjoy!