Homemade pesto recipe

This easy homemade pesto recipe shows you exactly how classic pesto is made and only takes 5 mins to rustle up.

This homemade pesto recipe can be used in different ways, the most popular is with pasta. You can also use it as a sauce for grilled fish or meat and it is delicious when stirred into soups or crushed potatoes. Swap that classic tomato pizza sauce for pesto instead for a flavour-packed meal.

The pine nuts, basil and Parmesan make a delicious combination. This sauce will last up to 1 week in an airtight container in the fridge. This classic Italian sauce has to be one of our favourite pesto recipes.

A good homemade pesto needs to be bright in colour, full of fresh ingredients with a strong earthy flavour. Homemade pesto is often cheaper to make than buying shop-bought.

Ingredients

• 100g basil leaves
• 2 garlic cloves
• 50g toasted pine nuts
• 50g Pecorino or Parmesan, freshly grated
• 8tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• a squeeze of fresh lemon

Method

1. Put all the ingredients in a food processor with salt and pepper and blitz to form a rough paste.
2. To keep it for another day, spoon the pesto into a jar then spoon a little oil on top to preserve it for longer. Cover and keep in the fridge. Use within 1 week.
3. Stir through pasta, drizzle over chicken or spread on salmon fillets - it goes with anything!