A Basil Harvest: Italian-Style Pesto

By Thomas Debaggio And Susan Belsinger
Published on July 23, 2009

<p>
<em>Makes about 1 1/2 cups, enough to dress 1 pound of dry pasta or about 1 1/2 pounds fresh pasta</em>
</p>
<p>When tossing hot pasta with pesto, add 1/4 to 1/2 cup of the pasta water to thin the pesto so that it covers the pasta evenly.</p>
<p>• 5 cloves garlic, peeled and sliced<br />
• 1/4 cup pine nuts<br />
• 4 cups basil leaves<br />
• Salt<br />
• 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese<br />
• 3/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil</p>
<p>1. Combine the garlic and pine nuts in a large mortar and crush them with the pestle to a smooth paste. Add the basil, a handful at a time, crushing the leaves against the sides of the mortar. The mixture should resemble a coarse, thick paste.</p>
<p>2. Add a few pinches of salt. Stir in the cheese. Drizzle the oil in, a bit at a time, and work it in with the pestle. The pesto should become very smooth. After most of the oil has been added, taste for seasoning and adjust with a little more oil, cheese, or salt.</p>
<p>
<strong>Note:</strong> To make this pesto in a food processor, place the garlic, pine nuts, basil, a few pinches salt, and a few tablespoons oil in the mixing bowl. Process until mixed. Add the cheese and most of the remaining oil and process until smooth. Taste for seasoning and adjust with a little more oil, cheese, or salt.</p>
<p>
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Click here for the original article, <a href=”https://www.motherearthliving.com/cooking/a-basil-harvest.aspx”>
<strong>A Basil Harvest</strong>
</a>.

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