Sauces and Dips

Pesto Genovese is a vibrant Italian sauce from Liguria, made with basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan, and olive oil. It’s a fresh, herbaceous sauce perfect for pasta, sandwiches, or salads, highlighting the simplicity and flavor of Italian cuisine.

Ingredients

• 2 cups fresh basil leaves
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup pine nuts, toasted
• 2 garlic cloves
• 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Toast pine nuts in a skillet until golden, then cool.
2. In a food processor, combine basil, Parmesan, pine nuts, and garlic. Pulse to mix.
3. Slowly add olive oil while blending until smooth.
4. Season with salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon (optional).

Variations

• Walnut Pesto: Substitute walnuts for pine nuts.
• Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto: Add sun-dried tomatoes for a tangy twist.
• Arugula Pesto: Replace basil with arugula for a peppery flavor.
• Vegan Pesto: Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.