Ultimate Basil Pesto Sauce
This Ultimate Basil Pesto Sauce is a vibrant and flavorful blend of fresh basil, aromatic garlic, and rich nuts, perfected by the renowned Ina Garten, also known as The Barefoot Contessa. This pesto is not just a condiment; it's a transformative sauce that elevates dishes from pasta and salads to sandwiches and marinades. Its fresh, aromatic qualities bring warmth to your kitchen and a taste of the Mediterranean to your meals. Perfectly paired with the delightful Pesto Pea Salad, this pesto is guaranteed to become a staple in your culinary repertoire. Whether enjoyed fresh or stored for later use, this sauce embodies the spirit of summer and the joy of home cooking.
N/A
Servings
600
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
walnuts
1/4 cup
pignolis (pine nuts)
1/4 cup
garlic
3 tablespoons (diced (approximately 9 cloves))
fresh basil leaves
5 cups (packed)
kosher salt
1 teaspoon
fresh ground pepper
1 teaspoon
extra virgin olive oil
1 1/2 cups
freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup
Instructions
1
In the bowl of a food processor fitted with a steel blade, combine the walnuts, pignolis, and diced garlic.
2
Process for about 30 seconds until finely chopped.
3
Add the packed fresh basil leaves, kosher salt, and freshly ground pepper to the food processor.
4
With the processor running, slowly drizzle in the extra virgin olive oil through the feed tube. Continue processing until the mixture becomes a finely pureed pesto.
5
Finally, add the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and blend for an additional minute until creamy.
6
Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary, then serve immediately, or transfer to an airtight container. For storage, add a thin layer of olive oil on top before sealing and refrigerate or freeze for future use.
7
Enjoy your homemade Ultimate Basil Pesto Sauce!
Nutrition Information
53.75g
Fat
5g
Carbs
15g
Protein
1.5g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Ultimate Basil Pesto Sauce?
Ultimate Basil Pesto Sauce is a vibrant, flavorful blend of fresh basil, garlic, and rich nuts, based on a recipe by Ina Garten.
Who is the creator of this specific pesto recipe?
This recipe was perfected by the renowned Ina Garten, also known as The Barefoot Contessa.
How many ingredients are required for this pesto?
The recipe requires 8 primary ingredients: walnuts, pignolis, garlic, fresh basil leaves, kosher salt, fresh ground pepper, extra virgin olive oil, and Parmesan cheese.
What types of nuts are used in this recipe?
The recipe uses a combination of 1/4 cup of walnuts and 1/4 cup of pignolis (pine nuts).
How much garlic do I need?
You will need 3 tablespoons of diced garlic, which is approximately 9 cloves.
How much basil is used in this pesto?
The recipe calls for 5 cups of packed fresh basil leaves.
What type of oil should be used?
The recipe specifically requires 1 1/2 cups of extra virgin olive oil.
When do I add the Parmesan cheese?
The freshly grated Parmesan cheese is added last and blended for about one minute until the sauce is creamy.
What equipment is needed to make this sauce?
You will need a food processor fitted with a steel blade to properly blend the ingredients.
How do I start the preparation process?
Begin by combining the walnuts, pignolis, and diced garlic in the food processor and processing for 30 seconds.
How should I add the olive oil to the mixture?
With the food processor running, slowly drizzle the extra virgin olive oil through the feed tube until the mixture is finely pureed.
How can I prevent the pesto from browning during storage?
To maintain freshness and color, add a thin layer of olive oil on top of the pesto before sealing the airtight container.
Can this pesto be frozen?
Yes, the pesto can be refrigerated or frozen for future use if stored in an airtight container.
Is this pesto recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is tagged as healthy cooking and contains fresh ingredients like basil, garlic, and heart-healthy olive oil and nuts.
How many calories are in this recipe?
The recipe contains approximately 600 calories.
What is the fat content of this pesto?
The total fat content is 53.75g, primarily coming from the olive oil, nuts, and cheese.
How much protein is in the sauce?
This pesto sauce provides 15g of protein.
What are the carbohydrate and fiber levels?
The recipe contains 5g of carbohydrates and 1.5g of fiber.
What dishes go well with this basil pesto?
It pairs beautifully with pasta, salads, sandwiches, and can be used as a marinade.
Is there a specific salad recommendation for this pesto?
Yes, it is highly recommended for use in a Pesto Pea Salad.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
While the original includes Parmesan, the recipe is tagged for 'vegan option' which typically involves substituting or omitting the cheese.
Is this a fast recipe to prepare?
Yes, it is tagged as a 'fast recipe' as most of the work is done quickly in a food processor.
What type of salt is recommended?
The recipe specifies using 1 teaspoon of kosher salt.
Should the garlic be raw or roasted?
The recipe uses raw garlic that is diced before being processed with the nuts.
How long do I process the nuts and garlic initially?
They should be processed for about 30 seconds until they are finely chopped.
Can I use ground pepper from a shaker?
The recipe recommends 1 teaspoon of freshly ground pepper for the best flavor profile.
What is the texture of the final product?
The final result is a finely pureed, creamy pesto sauce.
What culture or cuisine is this recipe associated with?
This recipe is tagged as Italian and reflects Mediterranean flavors.
Should I adjust the seasoning?
Yes, the instructions suggest tasting and adjusting the seasoning if necessary after blending.
Is this recipe considered a gourmet sauce?
Yes, it is tagged as a 'gourmet' recipe due to its high-quality ingredients and refined flavor profile.