Garden-Fresh Basil Pesto for Freezing
Capture the vibrant flavors of summer with this easy-to-make Garden-Fresh Basil Pesto. Perfect for freezing, this versatile pesto brings a touch of gourmet flair to any pasta dish, sandwich, or appetizer. Follow simple freezer directions to enjoy the goodness of basil all year round. Whether tossed with pasta or served as a delectable spread, this pesto is a culinary delight!
N/A
Servings
680
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
fresh basil leaves
3 cups (packed)
garlic cloves
3-5 large (peeled)
pine nuts
1/4 cup (none)
salt
1/4 teaspoon (none)
olive oil
1/2 cup (none)
parmesan cheese
1/2 cup (freshly grated)
Instructions
1
1. Begin by thoroughly washing the fresh basil leaves. Gently pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
2
2. Peel the garlic cloves and set them aside.
3
3. Place the basil leaves, garlic cloves, pine nuts, and salt into a food processor or blender. Blend until the mixture is smooth.
4
4. Gradually drizzle in the olive oil while continuing to blend until well incorporated. Taste the pesto and add additional salt if desired.
5
5. For freezing: Line an ice cube tray with plastic wrap, ensuring easy removal. Use a small spoon or tablespoon to fill each compartment with 1-2 tablespoons of pesto. Place the tray in the freezer until the pesto cubes are solid.
6
6. Once frozen, transfer the pesto cubes to a ziplock bag for long-term storage. To use, simply thaw the desired number of cubes and mix in freshly grated Parmesan cheese before serving.
7
7. If using fresh: Add the Parmesan cheese directly to the basil mixture in the blender. Process for a few seconds until just incorporated.
8
8. This pesto pairs wonderfully with a pound of your favorite pasta, such as linguine, capellini, or tortellini. It can also be used as a spread for sandwiches or to enhance the flavor of various appetizers.
Nutrition Information
8g
Carbs
13g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this recipe?
The recipe is called Garden-Fresh Basil Pesto for Freezing.
How much fresh basil is needed?
You need 3 cups of packed fresh basil leaves.
How many garlic cloves should I use?
The recipe calls for 3 to 5 large peeled garlic cloves.
What type of nuts are used in this pesto?
This recipe uses 1/4 cup of pine nuts.
How much olive oil is required?
You will need 1/2 cup of olive oil.
What kind of cheese is included?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of freshly grated parmesan cheese.
How much salt is used?
The base recipe uses 1/4 teaspoon of salt, but you can add more to taste.
What is the first step in preparing the basil?
Begin by thoroughly washing the fresh basil leaves and gently patting them dry with paper towels.
What equipment is needed to blend the pesto?
You can use either a food processor or a blender.
How do I incorporate the olive oil?
Gradually drizzle in the olive oil while the food processor or blender is running.
How do I prepare the pesto for freezing?
Line an ice cube tray with plastic wrap and fill each compartment with 1-2 tablespoons of pesto.
Why should I line the ice cube tray with plastic wrap?
The plastic wrap ensures easy removal of the pesto cubes once they are frozen.
Where should I store the frozen pesto cubes?
Once frozen solid, transfer the cubes to a ziplock bag for long-term storage.
When should I add the Parmesan cheese if I am freezing the pesto?
Do not freeze the cheese; instead, mix in freshly grated Parmesan cheese after thawing the cubes.
How do I make the pesto if I want to use it immediately?
Add the Parmesan cheese directly to the mixture in the blender and process for a few seconds until incorporated.
What types of pasta go well with this pesto?
It pairs wonderfully with linguine, capellini, or tortellini.
Can I use this pesto for things other than pasta?
Yes, it can be used as a spread for sandwiches or as an enhancement for various appetizers.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, it is tagged as a vegetarian recipe.
How many calories are in this pesto recipe?
The recipe contains approximately 680 calories.
What is the protein content of this recipe?
This recipe contains 13 grams of protein.
How many carbohydrates are in this pesto?
There are 8 grams of carbohydrates in this recipe.
What is the ingredient count for this recipe?
There are 6 main ingredients used in this recipe.
What cuisine does this pesto belong to?
This recipe is categorized under Italian cuisine.
Is this an easy recipe to follow?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe for making homemade sauce.
How much pesto should go in each ice cube tray compartment?
Each compartment should hold about 1 to 2 tablespoons of pesto.
What is the preparation required for the garlic?
The garlic cloves should be peeled before being added to the blender.
What is the texture of the finished pesto?
The mixture should be blended until it is smooth.
How should the basil be measured?
The 3 cups of fresh basil leaves should be packed.
Can this recipe be considered gourmet?
Yes, the description notes it brings a touch of gourmet flair to any dish.
What is the primary benefit of this specific pesto recipe?
It is designed specifically for freezing so you can enjoy the flavor of summer basil all year round.