Description
Homemade parsley pesto delivers a fresh Mediterranean twist on classic sauce. Green herb magic blends seamlessly with garlic, nuts, and olive oil for quick culinary delight you can enjoy over pasta or as a versatile condiment.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups (473 ml / 16 fl oz) fresh parsley leaves (flat-leaf or curly, stems removed)
- ¼ cup (30 g / 1 oz) pine nuts (or walnuts, almonds, or sunflower seeds)
- ¼ cup (30 g / 1 oz) grated Parmesan cheese
- 12 cloves garlic, roughly chopped
- 2 tbsps (30 ml / 1 fl oz) fresh lemon juice
- ⅓ cup (79 ml / 2.7 fl oz) olive oil (plus more if needed)
- ¼ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Toasting Technique: Heat a skillet and evenly toast pine nuts, stirring frequently until golden-brown and fragrant, then transfer to a cool surface to preserve their crisp texture.
- Processor Preparation: Ensure food processor blade is sharp and clean, ready for precise blending of ingredients.
- Ingredient Fusion: Combine parsley, Parmesan, cooled pine nuts, garlic, and lemon juice in the processor, pulsing rhythmically to create a coarse, textured mixture that maintains distinct herb and nut characteristics.
- Emulsification Process: Gradually stream extra virgin olive oil through the feed tube while blending, transforming the mixture into a smooth, cohesive sauce and pausing occasionally to scrape down the sides for even incorporation.
- Flavor Balancing: Taste the pesto and fine-tune seasoning with subtle pinches of salt and pepper, adding extra lemon juice if a brighter citrus profile is desired.
- Storage and Serving: Transfer pesto to a clean container, smoothing the surface to prevent oxidation, and serve immediately or refrigerate, allowing flavors to develop and intensify over time.
Notes
- Select Premium Parsley: Choose bright green, crisp leaves without yellow or wilted edges to ensure maximum flavor and vibrant color in your pesto.
- Toast Nuts Carefully: Watch pine nuts closely during toasting, as they can burn quickly; remove from heat when golden brown and fragrant to prevent bitter taste.
- Control Olive Oil Flow: Add olive oil slowly while blending to achieve perfect sauce consistency, preventing separation and maintaining smooth texture.
- Preserve Fresh Flavor: Store pesto with a thin layer of olive oil on top to prevent browning and oxidation, keeping herbs looking bright and tasting fresh.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks, Lunch
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 0.5 g
- Sodium: 120 mg
- Fat: 21 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 6 mg