Basil Walnut Pesto
INGREDIENTS (12 Servings)
- 4 cups basil leaves
- 3 cloves garlic, peeled
- 1/2 cup walnuts, roasted
- 1/2 cup Reggiano Parmigiano
- 2 tbsp. lemon juice
- 1 tbsp. lemon zest
- red pepper flakes, to taste
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil, add more if needed
- freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
- sea salt, to taste
DIRECTIONS
Add the basil, garlic, walnuts, Parmigiano, lemon zest, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes to a food processor or blender.
Pulse the food processor or blender a few times to break down the basil.
Slowly add the olive oil to the processor or blender, pulsing until the olive oil is well blended into the other ingredients and the mixture forms a loose paste.
If you think your pesto is too thick, add additional olive oil, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency.
Season with salt and pepper to personal taste.
This pesto can spice up several dishes. Try tossing with fresh pasta, use it as a spread on bruschetta or a panini sandwich, or as a replacement of tomato sauce on a white pizza. The choice is yours!
Buon Appetito!