Elevate your dishes with the vibrant flavors of Homemade Pesto! Bursting with fresh basil, creamy garlic, and nutty sunflower seeds, this irresistible condiment will become your kitchen staple.
Updated July 2023
Homemade Pesto: Elevate Your Dishes with this Irresistible Condiment
Looking to add a burst of fresh and vibrant flavor to your dishes? Look no further! Homemade Pesto is a versatile and mouthwatering condiment that elevates everything it touches. You’ll be reaching for seconds and wondering why you ever settled for store-bought alternatives. Plus, it’s the perfect way to use up all your summer garden basil.
Recipe Ingredients
- Fresh Basil Leaves: The star of the show, fresh basil leaves bring an aromatic and herbal punch to the Pesto, infusing it with that classic Italian essence.
- Garlic: The addition of garlic enhances the complexity of the flavors, providing a delightful savory note that perfectly complements the basil.
- Sunflower Seeds: As a unique twist on traditional pine nuts, sunflower seeds add a creamy texture and a subtle nutty flavor, making this Pesto nut-free and accessible to more people.
- Lemon Juice: The tangy brightness of lemon juice not only heightens the taste but also helps to preserve the vibrant green color of the Pesto.
- Nutritional Yeast (or Parmesan): To achieve a deliciously cheesy taste without dairy, nutritional yeast is used. However, for those who aren’t dairy-free, plant-based or vegan and prefer the real deal, grated Parmesan can be easily substituted.
- Extra-Virgin Olive Oil: A high-quality extra-virgin olive oil serves as the backbone of the Pesto, providing a smooth and luxurious texture.
- Sea Salt or Kosher Salt: Just a pinch of salt enhances all the flavors in the Pesto, creating a well-balanced and satisfying condiment.
- Ground Black Pepper: A dash of black pepper adds a subtle hint of heat, elevating the Pesto’s overall taste profile.
- Filtered Water: Only used as needed to achieve the desired consistency of the Pesto. Add a little at a time to ensure the perfect texture.
Instructions: Creating Your Perfect Homemade Pesto
Making your own Homemade Pesto is a breeze and guarantees a burst of vibrant flavors in every bite. Follow these simple steps to whip up a batch of this luscious green condiment:
- Prep the Ingredients: Wash the fresh basil leaves thoroughly and pat them dry with a paper towel. Peel the garlic cloves and gather the rest of the ingredients—sunflower seeds, lemon juice, nutritional yeast (or Parmesan), extra-virgin olive oil, sea salt, ground black pepper, and filtered water.
- Blend the Ingredients: In a food processor or a small blender, add the basil, garlic, sunflower seeds, lemon juice, and nutritional yeast (or Parmesan). Season with sea salt and ground black pepper to taste. Process or blend on high until the mixture forms a smooth paste.
- Drizzle the Olive Oil: With the food processor still running, slowly drizzle the extra-virgin olive oil into the mixture. Continue until the Pesto reaches a thick and pourable consistency. Scrape down the sides as needed to ensure even blending.
- Adjust the Consistency: If the Pesto is thicker than you prefer, add filtered water, one teaspoon at a time, while pulsing the mixture. Blend until the desired consistency is achieved.
- Taste and Season: Pause and taste the Pesto. Adjust the seasonings to your liking, adding more salt, pepper, or nutritional yeast (or Parmesan) if needed. Mix well to incorporate the additional seasonings.
- Transfer and Store: Once you’re satisfied with the flavors, transfer the Pesto to a small to medium-sized resealable glass jar. Seal the jar tightly, and refrigerate until you’re ready to use it. The flavors will continue to meld and intensify as the Pesto chills.
Tips for Success to make the perfect pesto
- Fresh Basil is Key: For the most flavorful Pesto, opt for fresh basil leaves. Their fragrance and taste are unparalleled.
- Control the Texture: Achieve the ideal thickness of your Pesto by adjusting the amount of olive oil and water. Start with less, then add more until it reaches your preferred consistency.
- Blending Techniques: For a smoother texture, pulse the ingredients in the food processor, stopping to scrape down the sides as needed.
Storage and Freezer Instructions:
- To store any leftover Pesto, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay fresh for up to a week.
- Pesto can also be frozen for future use. Place it in an ice cube tray, freeze, then transfer the cubes to a freezer bag. It will retain its flavor for up to 3 months.
Serving Suggestions:
- Pesto is incredibly versatile and can be used in numerous ways. Toss it with your favorite pasta, make pesto eggs, spread it on sandwiches, drizzle it over roasted vegetables, or use it as a marinade for chicken or fish.
- As a condiment, Pesto can elevate your appetizers, adding a burst of flavor to crostini, bruschetta, or even as a dip for crusty bread.
Variations and Substitutions:
- Get creative with your Pesto by experimenting with different herbs like parsley, cilantro, or arugula.
- For a creamier texture, you can add a splash of heavy cream or coconut cream to the mix.
- If sunflower seeds are not available, try pine nuts, almonds, or even pumpkin seeds for a unique twist.
Take Your Dishes to the Next Level with Homemade Pesto!
Homemade Pesto is a true culinary gem that will transform your dishes from ordinary to extraordinary. With its vibrant color and fresh flavors, it’s the perfect condiment to have on hand for a quick and tasty upgrade to any meal. Plus, making it at home allows you to customize it to your liking and dietary preferences.
So, grab your food processor and embrace the wonderful world of Pesto-making. Your taste buds will thank you, and your dishes will never be the same again!
More easy condiment recipes you will love:
Elevate your dishes with the vibrant flavors of Homemade Pesto! Bursting with fresh basil, creamy garlic, and nutty sunflower seeds, this irresistible condiment will become your kitchen staple.
- 1 1/2 cups of fresh basil leaves about 2 small bundles
- 2 garlic cloves
- 3 tbsp sunflower seeds
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp nutritional yeast can sub with 3 tbsp grated vegan or regular parmesan, plus more as needed
- ⅓ cup extra-virgin olive oil plus more as needed
- Sea salt or kosher salt to taste
- Ground black pepper to taste
- Filtered water only as needed to thin out to desired consistency
To a food processor or a small blender, add the basil, sunflower seeds, garlic, lemon juice, nutritional yeast, salt and black pepper.
Process / blend on high until combined and the mixture resembles a paste. Slowly drizzle the olive oil into the food processor until a thick pourable sauce forms, or until desired consistency is reached, scraping down the sides, as needed. If the pesto is still too thick to your liking, add 1 teaspoon of water at a time, only as needed, until desired consistency is reached.
Pulse a few times to combine. Taste and adjust flavor as needed, adding more seasonings. Transfer to a small / medium resealable glass jar. Chill until ready to use.
Taste and adjust flavor as needed, adding more seasonings. Transfer to a small / medium resealable glass jar. Chill until ready to use.
Leave a Comment