Pesto is a simple sauce usually made with basil, olive oil, parmesan cheese and pine nuts but I have used walnuts to make basil walnut pesto. It is easy to make and needs very less ingredients. It needs no cooking. I was so excited when I saw basil leaves in Chennai as making pesto was in my to-do list long since. Today we will learn how to make basil walnut pesto following this easy recipe.
Pesto Recipe-Basil Walnut Pesto
Prep Time : 10 mins
Yields: 3/4-1 cup
Recipe Category: Dip-Sauce
Recipe Cuisine: International
Author:Padhu Sankar
Recipe Category: Dip-Sauce
Recipe Cuisine: International
Author:Padhu Sankar
Ingredients needed
Fresh Basil leaves- 1 1/2 cup
Walnuts – 1/2 cup
Garlic cloves – 2
Parmesan cheese – 1/2 cup
Olive oil – 1/3 cup
Pepper powder to taste
Salt to taste
Method
Wash and use the basil leaves alone.
Combine basil leaves, garlic, and walnuts in a food processor or blender and grind coarsely.
Add olive oil slowly and blend for a few seconds. Add grated cheese and blend again for a few more seconds.
Add salt and pepper powder to taste.
Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and use it within 3-4 days. When storing, add a thin layer of olive oil on top of the pesto.
Note – You may adjust the ingredients according to your taste.
Pesto can be used as a spread on sandwiches or you can toss it with pasta or roasted potatoes or salad.
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Hi, I am an avid follower of your site for a couple of years now. It is a fantastic work by you. Your site is my bible…every weekend I pick a dish fro your site & cook for my family. Now, I have a doubt…I got Keya brand basil. Is this fine? I can't figure out where to get fresh basil leaves. Please suggest.
Thank you for liking my website and recipes. Glad you found it useful. I am not aware of Keya brand basil but it is advisable to use fresh basil leaves for making pesto.
Padhu, are tulasi leaves the alternative to basil leaves?
They are not the same. You cannot substitute tulasi leaves for basil leaves. Tulasi is known as the holy basil.
Padhu, can I replace parmesan cheese with cheddar or mozzarella??
Yes, you can.