Ardolino-Style Homemade Pesto

Submitted by Chef Art

"I love pesto, especially when its mixed with parmesan cheese. I think the cheese really enhances the flavor and changes the consistency."

 

• Ready In: 15mins
• Ingredients: 8
• Yields: 1 1/4 cups

ingredients

• 1⁄2 cup pine nuts
• 4 cups lightly packed fresh basil
• 1⁄2 teaspoon garlic, crushed
• 1⁄2 teaspoon salt
• 1⁄4 teaspoon pepper
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1⁄2 cup olive oil, plus more if needed
• 3⁄4 cup grated parmesan cheese

directions

1. Preheat the oven to 325.
2. Spread the pine nuts on a baking sheet and cook until aromatic and golden brown, about 8-10 minutes. Then remove from the oven and let cool.
3. Combine the basil, pine nuts, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a bowl of a food processor and pulse until ingredients are well incorporated, about 15 seconds. Scape down the sides of the bowl while pulsing, if necessary.
4. With the food processor on, slowly add the olive oil through the feeding tube. You will have to adjust the amount of olive oil based upon the amount of basil used (it should have a thick consistency). When in doubt, start with less oil and add more.
5. Turn off the food processor, add the cheese, and then pulse until incorporated. The mixture should come together and form a think paste.