Ingredients
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1/2 cup olive oil
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1/3 cup pine nuts (or can use toasted walnuts, or use half each)
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3 medium fresh garlic cloves
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1/4-1/3 cup freshly grated grated parmesan cheese
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1 teaspoon kosher salt (can use 1-1/2 teaspoons if desired)
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1/4 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper (optional, or use pinch cayenne pepper)
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4 cups fresh basil leaves, packed (about 3 large bunches)
Instructions
- Combine the basil, olive oil, pine nuts and garlic cloves in a blender (or food processor).
- Blend until a paste form, stopping often to push down the basil.
- Add in the Parmesan cheese and Kosher salt; blend until smooth.
- Transfer to a bowl.
- NOTE to clean fresh basil leaves; swirl in a bowl of water then spin them very dry in a salad spinner.
- If not using right away store the clean leaves in a sealed plastic bag with a slightly damp paper towel, the leaves should keep well refrigerated for up to 2 days.