Basil Pesto | Durant Mother Sauce Collection

Category, DifficultyBeginner

The traditional sauce of the Liguria region of Italy showcases fragrant basil at its peak, toasted pine nuts, Parmigiano Reggiano cheese and good olive oil, in this case our award winning Durant Frantoio extra virgin olive oil. Recipe courtesy of Chefs Eric and Sara, Culinary Directors for Durant at Red Ridge Farms.

Yields6 Servings
Prep Time10 minsTotal Time10 mins
 8 oz fresh basil leaves (approximately 2-3 loosely packed cups)
 1 cup grated Parmigiano Reggiano cheese
 ½ cup lightly toasted pine nuts
 3 garlic cloves, peeled and roughly chopped
 ½ tsp ground black pepper
1

In a food processor, add 2 tsp. of the olive oil with the cheese, pine nuts, garlic, sea salt and black pepper.

2

Process until finely ground.

3

Add remaining olive oil and the basil leaves and process until smooth.

Chef's Notes
4

What’s summertime without Pesto? The traditional sauce of the Liguria region of Italy showcases fragrant basil at its peak, toasted pine nuts, Parmigiano Reggiano cheese and good olive oil, in this case our award winning Durant Frantoio extra virgin olive oil. Quality ingredients are the key when making a great pesto, and by simply changing the herb, nuts or cheese, you can come up with your own flavorful pesto inspired by the seasons. Try substituting toasted walnuts or hazelnuts for the pine nuts or using parsley and mint instead of basil. Substitute crumbly feta or California dry aged jack for the Parmigiano Reggiano, the combinations are endless! Enjoy simply with your favorite pasta, atop a classic Caprese salad of tomatoes and mozzarella, or slather all over the summers first sweet corn!

Ingredients

 8 oz fresh basil leaves (approximately 2-3 loosely packed cups)
 1 cup grated Parmigiano Reggiano cheese
 ½ cup lightly toasted pine nuts
 3 garlic cloves, peeled and roughly chopped
 ½ tsp ground black pepper

Directions

1

In a food processor, add 2 tsp. of the olive oil with the cheese, pine nuts, garlic, sea salt and black pepper.

2

Process until finely ground.

3

Add remaining olive oil and the basil leaves and process until smooth.

Chef's Notes
4

What’s summertime without Pesto? The traditional sauce of the Liguria region of Italy showcases fragrant basil at its peak, toasted pine nuts, Parmigiano Reggiano cheese and good olive oil, in this case our award winning Durant Frantoio extra virgin olive oil. Quality ingredients are the key when making a great pesto, and by simply changing the herb, nuts or cheese, you can come up with your own flavorful pesto inspired by the seasons. Try substituting toasted walnuts or hazelnuts for the pine nuts or using parsley and mint instead of basil. Substitute crumbly feta or California dry aged jack for the Parmigiano Reggiano, the combinations are endless! Enjoy simply with your favorite pasta, atop a classic Caprese salad of tomatoes and mozzarella, or slather all over the summers first sweet corn!

Basil Pesto | Durant Mother Sauce Collection