Peanut Basil Pesto
Versatile pesto goes a long way. Whether tossed traditionally with pasta or used as a spread for pizza or sandwiches, it can be made a couple of days in advance to have on hand or frozen.
- Cooking time: 30 minutes
- Serves: Makes 1 cup (250 mL)
Ingredients
Pesto
| ½ cup (125 mL) peanuts, toasted |
| 3 garlic cloves, chopped |
| 4 cups (1 L) packed basil leaves |
| ⅓ cup (75 mL) olive oil |
| ½ cup (125 mL) freshly grated parmesan |
| salt and pepper, to taste |
Directions
Place cooled toasted peanuts and garlic in a food processor. Pulse until coarsely ground. Don’t pulse too much or you’ll have peanut butter. Add basil leaves and pulse until combined and finely chopped and a puree begins to form.
With machine running, slowly drizzle in oil until combined. Add 2 tbsp (25 mL) more oil if you would like pesto a bit saucier. Turn into a bowl and stir in Parmesan, salt and pepper to taste. Delicious as a pasta sauce or a sandwich or pizza spread. Makes about 1 cup (250 mL).
