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Quick Five-Minute Blender Pesto Recipe with Fresh Basil and Pine Nuts for Homemade Flavor

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A vibrant and fresh pesto made in just five minutes using a blender, combining fresh basil, pine nuts, garlic, and Parmesan for a quick homemade sauce perfect for busy days.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups packed fresh basil leaves (about 50g)
  • 1/4 cup pine nuts (35g), lightly toasted if possible
  • 2 medium garlic cloves, peeled
  • 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil (120ml)
  • 1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (about 30g)
  • Juice of half a lemon (about 1 tablespoon)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • Pinch of freshly ground black pepper
  • Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes
  • Optional: 1-2 tablespoons water to adjust consistency

Instructions

  1. Toast the pine nuts (optional but recommended): Place 1/4 cup pine nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat. Stir frequently for 2-3 minutes until golden and fragrant. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
  2. Rinse and dry about 2 cups fresh basil leaves thoroughly.
  3. Add basil leaves, toasted pine nuts, garlic cloves, grated Parmesan, and lemon juice into the blender.
  4. Pulse a few times to coarsely chop ingredients, then slowly drizzle in olive oil while blending continuously until smooth and vibrant. Add water if pesto is too thick.
  5. Add salt and black pepper, pulse once or twice to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
  6. Check texture: pesto should be smooth with some texture. Pulse less for chunkier, blend longer for creamier.
  7. Use immediately or store in an airtight container in the fridge up to 3 days with a thin layer of olive oil on top to preserve freshness.

Notes

Toast pine nuts carefully to avoid burning. Use room temperature ingredients for best flavor. Pulse instead of over-blending to maintain texture. Drizzle olive oil slowly to control consistency. Store pesto with a thin olive oil layer on top to prevent browning. Can freeze pesto in ice cube trays for longer storage.

Nutrition

Keywords: pesto, quick pesto, blender pesto, fresh basil, pine nuts, homemade sauce, easy pesto, Italian sauce, five-minute recipe

Find it online: https://evabakery.com/quick-five-minute-blender-pesto-recipe-with-fresh-basil-and-pine-nuts-for-homemade-flavor/