Basil Pesto Ingredients
The majority of pesto ingredients are easily found in your kitchen. If not found, you can get them from the closest grocery stores. So, take a look at them and gather accordingly.
Fresh Basil Leaves
Basil is a base for the pesto. Fresh leaves give a bright green color along with an aromatic fragrance that literally makes you drool. Always choose bright green leaves with no trace of any dark spots. One can also make pesto with parsley, spinach, or mint leaves.
Pine Nuts
They look small but can take the peso to a whole new level. Pine brings a buttery and creaminess to the pesto. Pine is not in stock? No worries! Use walnuts, almonds, cashews, or sunflower seeds.
Parmesan
It adds a slightly salty and creamy flavor to the pesto. Before adding, grate the cheese using a grater. Use around 12 months old cheese. Want to make vegan pesto? Then use plant-based cheese or nutritional yeast.
Olive Oil
Olive oil binds all the ingredients together. As a result, it gives a smooth texture to the pesto. Olive oil’s quality has a great influence on the taste. So it is good to use the best extra virgin ones. Alternatively one can use any vegetable oil.
Garlic
Fresh garlic cloves are a must for the best flavor. It gives a touch of pungent and spicy kick to the sauce. Peel off the skin before use.
Seasonings
- Salt: A pinch of salt is all it needs to make the pesto from something lacking to Oh it's delicious. Use sea salt or kosher salt for better results.
- Black Pepper: Freshly ground black pepper adds a hint of a subtle spicy taste to the pesto sauce.
- Lemon Juice: Squeeze some fresh lemon juice over the ingredients before blending. It introduces a slight tangy taste to the pesto.
Tools Needed
- Food Processor or blender
- Knife and cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Grater (to grate cheese)
- Spatula
- Airtight containers