Easy Economical Pesto
I created this more economical version of pesto with walnuts rather than the traditional pine nuts. Walnuts are less expensive as well as the popular nut can usually be found in most kitchens while pine nuts are a less seldom used dry good. This version gives you more incentive to prepare this super healthy and delicious condiment more often.
Ingredients
- 2cups fresh basil
- 3tablespoons walnuts
- 2 garlic cloves
- 1/4cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/4cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/2teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Place basil, walnuts, and garlic in a food processor. Blend until well combined. Slowly add oil in, turning off to scrape sides if needed. Add cheese, salt and pepper. Blend until combined. The mixture will not be very liquid rather it’ll resemble a paste. Scrape into a small container with a lid that can be stored in the refrigerator
Recipe Notes
You may be used to a more oily pesto and if that is your preference than add more oil into the food processor at that stage of the recipe until desired constituency is achieved.
Leave out the parmesan cheese for a vegan version. Most likely you'll want to add in olive oil.
Try adding pesto into tomato-based sauce, stirred into soups, slathered on toasted bruschetta, tossed with hot spaghetti noodles, as a pizza topping, added to your scrambled eggs. The uses are only limited to your imagination!
