Pesto alla Genovese is a simple fragrant sauce and one of Italy’s most popular sauces originating from Liguria in the north-western part of the boot.
The essential ingredients are basil, garlic, pine-nuts, extra-virgin olive oil and aged Italian cheeses such as Parmigiano-Reggiano, Pecorino Romano or Grana Padana.
It is super easy, delicious and can be put together in mere minutes. Pesto is best served fresh while the flavors are bright, bold and strong but also keeps well in the fridge for up to one week, covered, with an extra layer of extra-virgin olive oil in the jar to prevent the basil from oxidizing or turning brown.
There are endless ways to use pesto. Try it as a flavor booster for minestrone soup, pizza topping or as a sandwich spread. Toss it with gnocchi or any pasta of your choice.
My favorite way is to toss it with linguine. So quick and easy and packed with the wonderful flavors of summer!
Ingredients:
- 4 cups fresh basil
- 3/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/3 cup pine nuts
- 3 garlic cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 2/3 cup Parmesan cheese
Step By Step Pesto
Place the basil, extra-virgin olive oil, pine nuts, garlic cloves and salt into a food processor or a blender.
Process on high using the shortest amount of time so the basil does not lose it’s vibrant green color. (When I make large quantities I freeze it at this point before adding the cheese.)
Unplug the machine and stir in the Parmesan cheese.
I used the end of a wooden spoon to reach down and stir. Or simply invert the pesto sauce into a small bowl and then stir in the cheese. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
It should not be overly smooth. A little chunky with some texture and you have the perfect pesto sauce. 🙂
Yields 1 cup
©2015 Marisa’s Italian Kitchen
Well done! You’ve made me hungry:) Love your pictures!
Thank-you so much Sadie 🙂
I keep saying I am going to make pesto! I had never really tried it until recently and loved it! This looks so delicious Marisa! I need to give it a try, I am hoping today! Thanks!
Lynz, it is super easy you will love it 🙂
I have to make it! I got a sandwich out one day and pesto was on it! I can’t believe I had never really eaten it! I just loved it! so yes I need to try this! how long will it save in the refrigerator with cheese in it?
It is certainly at it’s best the same day, but will keep in the fridge for about 1 week 🙂
ok thanks!
Good Morning….this is almost a duplicate recipe to my x mom in law from Lucca, Northern Italy….yumm sauce and good on so many things…thanks for sharing, I will have to make myself a small jar….my personal favorite is on bruschetta….with big ole bowl of minestrone….have a great Sunday…kathy
Hi Kathy, Italian cuisine is so regional and this recipe sure is a classic from northern Italy. Thanks for visiting 🙂
love your blog…I will be back…!!!
Thanks Kathy?
my god marisa!!!!! my favorite meal, pasta!!!!!!! looks so inviting and delicious that i would actually have this for breakfast!!!!!!! good job!!!!
Lol ! Thank-you Carmie xoxo 🙂
Love this classic tasty recipe. Beautiful photos! 🙂
Thank-you so much Ronit 🙂
I just love pesto! Your photos were great!
Thank-you so much ?
Fabulously yummy Marisa! A must try, yum
Thank-you, Stephy 🙂
Beautiful, Marisa. Lovely photos too!
Thank-you so much Lana 🙂
Beautiful photos Marisa, I have featured home made pesto also – but I am rather lazy with my photos (I am improving slowly but surely)
I have been poorly and only just finally got around to delving into your blog,
I love it!
OHHH! Hope you feel better soon Linda! Thank-you for the compliment! You have a lovely blog…will be back to check it out more thoroughly 🙂
Must be delicious! Looks like it 😉
It really is …. Thanks for visiting and a happy New Year to you ?
Thanks, Happy New Year to You too 😉
such a classic! Your photos are so lovely.
Thanks or the compliment and for dropping by?