How to make Pesto sauce

Pesto is a sauce that originates in the city of Genoa in the Liguria region of northern Italy. Not only is it easy to make, it's a great way to dress almost any dish!

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• 1/4 cup of olive oil
• 2 lemons
• 1 jar of pine nuts
• 3 cloves of garlic
• 1 bunch of basil

1. Pick off all the basil leaves from the stems, you can even go so far as to rip the leaves themselves into smaller pieces, although that is not necessary. Put basil to the side for when they are later required.

2. Peel three cloves of garlic, it is highly recommended to roast the garlic. Once the garlic is roasted, dispense the pine nuts from jar, and add the garlic so that together they fill a 1/4 cup.

3. Take the 2 lemons and cut into halves, then proceed to juice them either by hand or with a juicer. Pour juice into a bowl and put to side for when are later required.

4. Pour 1/4 cup of olive oil. Although any type of olive oil can be used, a high end brand is often the best--although pricey, it's a great investment and results in a much better quality tasting dish. Put olive oil to the side for when it is later required.

5. Dump all contents into blender, and purée ingredients until it reaches the consistency of your personal liking.

6. Transfer Pesto from blender into a bowl; cover with saran wrap, and cool in refrigerator one hour prior to serving with meal.

[waiting4rain]

on 11/12/2008 I particularly like that this recipe is Vegan.

[MIghtyDreamer]

on 9/10/2008 this recipe would have been great for my Monday dish... Will have to give it a whirl.. thanks for sharing.