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Pesto Sauce with Walnuts

A creamy and vibrant pesto sauce made with fresh basil and walnuts, perfect for enhancing a variety of dishes.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Condiments, Sauces
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 200
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pesto Sauce
  • 2 cups fresh basil leaves The star ingredient, adding rich, herbaceous flavor.
  • 1 cup walnuts Lightly toasted for a nutty crunch and unique taste.
  • 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese Adds depth of flavor and creamy richness.
  • 2 cloves garlic paste Provides a fragrant kick that enhances the overall flavor profile.
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt Essential for balancing the flavors in the sauce.
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper Optional ingredient to add a hint of spice.
  • 1/2 cup olive oil Used to achieve the desired creamy consistency and richness.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Prepare ice water. Fill a small bowl with ice water and set it aside.
  2. Bring a saucepan of water to a rolling boil.
  3. Quickly add the basil leaves to the boiling water for 4 seconds.
  4. Remove the basil with tongs and plunge it into the bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process.
  5. After cooling, drain the basil and pat dry with paper towels.
Cooking
  1. In a food processor or blender, pulse the walnuts and parmesan cheese until ground.
  2. Add the blanched basil, salt, and, if desired, black pepper to the processor.
  3. Process until all the ingredients are combined smoothly.
  4. Start adding the olive oil through the chute while blending until it reaches the desired creamy consistency.
Serving
  1. Transfer the pesto into a container with a tight lid and store it in the refrigerator until ready to use.

Notes

For extra brightness, add a squeeze of lemon juice to the pesto before serving. If you prefer a thicker sauce, use less olive oil initially and adjust to taste. Toast the walnuts ahead of time for added depth of flavor and aroma.