Basil Pesto
This is the classic Pesto Genovese featuring basil, pine nuts and Parmesan. It’s a perfect accompaniment for white meats, fish or pasta. Because the word ‘pesto’ simply means ‘paste’ you can use many different ingredient combinations to make this tasty condiment.
Ingredients
A few large handfuls fresh basil
1/2 cup or so grated Parmesan or Romano cheese
A few handfuls pine nuts
A generous splash extra virgin olive oil
A sprinkle or two Salt and Pepper
1/2 cup or so grated Parmesan or Romano cheese
A few handfuls pine nuts
A generous splash extra virgin olive oil
A sprinkle or two Salt and Pepper
Instructions
Toss everything into a food processor and puree until smooth.
The olive oil’s job is to help get everything spinning in the food processor. Because it also adds flavour, this is a good place to use your very best oil.
The olive oil’s job is to help get everything spinning in the food processor. Because it also adds flavour, this is a good place to use your very best oil.
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Recipe Submitted by
Chef Michael
I’m a FoodTV host, cookbook author and official food ambassador for Prince Edward Island, more importantly I’m a Dad and passionate home cook!
Variation
Toss in a few garlic cloves for pungent strength. Try experimenting with different herb, cheese and nut combinations such as mint, goat cheese and pistachio, or sage, goat cheese and walnut.
For all of you who don’t know about them the item used before food processors was a hand cranked food chopper, it mashed things up, chopped nuts and so forth, and meant you had good biceps if you did a lot of chopping to feed a big family or to put up in canning jars.
My mother in law used a small meat chopper, with several different sized plates to put her stuff through, easy enough and the kids turned the handle. I’ve seen salsa made with same old chopper on a tv show about food in Mexico, if it works it works just fine, and you don’t really need a food processor, you can find the old choppers in the Charity shops or second hand stores, sometimes with sausage stuffers as well, to make your own sausages. And yes I own a modern one. Electric food processor.
Hi Michael, I was watching your show the other day and you were making Bacon Whiskey Jam. Where would I find the recipe for this. I would like to make some. Thanks for all you do. I have become a better cook because I have learned so much from you.
I thoroughly enjoy learning from Chef Micheal Smith and you always amaze us with your simple, fresh and home style creations. Thank you so much.
I love how simple and easy it is for anyone to make, great recipie for people(Like my mom) who just received a food processor for Christmas
Nice and simple! And if you remove the cheese it’ll be completely vegan, which is a great option.
I love food processors. They make simple recipes like this one super easy. I don’t know how I lived without one for so many years!
This is the perfect way to make use of all that basil from your garden in the fall.