Basil and walnut pesto recipe

Basil and walnut pesto

Created by The Tesco Recipes team

The perfect accompaniment to your homemade pasta, pesto is quick, cheap and easy to make. Add walnuts to compliment the taste of the fresh basil and salty pecorino.

See method
  • Serves 4
  • 20 mins to prepare
  • 339 calories / serving

Ingredients

  • 2 garlic cloves, crushed
  • ½ lemon, juiced
  • 60g walnuts
  • 2 x 30g packs basil, leaves picked
  • 5 tbsp/75ml olive oil
  • 60g grated pecorino

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Each serving contains

Energy
1395kJ 339.0kcal
17%
Fat
34g
high48%
Saturates
7g
high34%
Salt
1.0g
medium17%
Sugars
1g
low1%

of the Reference intake

Carbohydrate 1.6gProtein 6.9gFibre 0.1g

Method

  1. Put 2 crushed garlic cloves in a small bowl, pour over the juice of ½ lemon and set aside for 20 mins. Blitz 60g walnuts in a food processor.
  2. Add 2 x 30g packs fresh basil and the lemon-garlic mixture then blend to fully break down the basil. Drizzle in 5 tbsp olive oil and blend to a smooth purée. Add 60g grated pecorino and pulse to combine; season to taste.
  3. Toss the pesto through the cooked pasta, using 3-4 tbsp reserved pasta cooking water to loosen the sauce.
    • Tip

      Store the pesto in the fridge for up to 1 day in an airtight container.

    • Freezing and defrosting guidelines

      In order to enjoy optimum flavour and quality, frozen items are best used within 3 months of their freezing date. For more tips on freezing and defrosting food, read our article Love Your Freezer.

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