Classic pesto recipe

Classic pesto

Pesto is a classic Italian favourite – and this easy recipe takes just 10 minutes to whizz together for a vibrant sauce. Stir through pasta, spread it on pizza as an alternative to tomato sauce, or use to coat meat and fish for maximum flavour.

See method
  • Serves 4
  • 10 mins to prepare
  • 201 calories / serving

  • Gluten-free

Ingredients

  • 30g pine nuts
  • ½ garlic clove
  • ½ tsp sea salt
  • 30g pack fresh basil, leaves picked
  • 20g Parmesan, finely grated
  • 5 tbsp olive oil

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Each serving contains

Energy
830kJ 201.0kcal
10%
Fat
21g
high29%
Saturates
3g
high17%
Salt
0.6g
high10%
Sugars
0g
low0%

of the Reference intake

Carbohydrate 0.8gProtein 3.2gFibre 0.0g

Method

  1. Place the pine nuts in a small frying pan and toast on a low heat until golden. Remove and allow to cool.
  2. Blitz together the garlic, salt, basil and pine nuts in a small food processor to create a coarse paste (or use a pestle and mortar and pound the ingredients together).
  3. Stir in the grated Parmesan and olive oil. If not using immediately, transfer to a small jar or bowl and pour a little oil over the top to cover (this prevents the pesto oxidising), store in the fridge and use within 3 days.

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