Classic Pesto

Name: Classic Pesto
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: 2 cloves garlic, peeled; ⅓ cup pine nuts; 2 cups packed fresh basil leaves; ½ cup olive oil; ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese; ½ tsp. salt; 1 tsp. plain yogurt

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This basil sauce is traditionally made using a mortar and pestle to pound it into a paste. This recipe uses a food processor for an easier preparation, but you could also use a blender. Pesto can be used as a pasta sauce, a sandwich spread, or a stuffing enhancement. It also is the perfect condiment to stir into minestrone.

Difficulty: Easy

Hands-on: 15 minutesTotal: 15 minutes

Serves: 4

Ingredients

2 cloves garlic, peeled
⅓ cup pine nuts
2 cups packed fresh basil leaves
½ cup olive oil
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ tsp. salt
1 tsp. plain yogurt

Directions

Step 1
Preheat oven to 350ºF. Lay the pine nuts out in an even layer on an ungreased baking sheet pan; bake for 10 minutes. Set aside.
Step 2
In a food processor, chop the garlic and nuts together to make a paste.
Step 3
Add the basil and 2 tablespoons of the oil to the food processor and process with the nuts and garlic.
Step 4
With the processor running and the pour hole on the top open, pour the rest of the oil in a thin stream into the basil mixture to form a purée.
Step 5
Add the Parmesan cheese and salt, and process to blend.
Step 6
Store with a teaspoon of plain yogurt stirred into the pesto to prevent it from turning black.