As we are getting ready to vacation in Italy, I decided to make some Italian food tonight. I usually make my own pasta sauce but have never made pesto sauce. It could not be easier! Before I share the recipe I have to tell you how buying basil got lost in translation today. I went to the local produce store and asked for basil leaves. The man working there showed me two, he explained one was Italian basil and one German basil. So I asked for the Italian basil of course. When I got home and unwrapped it from the newspaper, yes they wrap fresh herbs in newspaper, I asked my husband if he thought it was the right kind of basil. He said it didn't look like basil to him. I decided to go next door and ask my neighbor who keeps fresh herbs growing on her window ledge. She said it was not basil but celery leaves and asked what I was making. I told her pesto and needed basil leaves. She handed me her plant. I told her I'd buy her another one and she asked if I was going to use the celery leaves. I was not, so we traded. I feel so blessed to live next door to someone who loves to cook.
I took this recipe from Rick Steve's Italy movie along with tips from online. There was a short demonstration on the movie which told what to put in it. This sauce is strong but very tasty! Serves about 4 people.
Easy Pesto Sauce
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves
- 1/2 cup pine nuts (I heated them about 5 minutes on the stove)
- 3 cloves garlic, peeled
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- salt and pepper to taste
Directions
In a food processor, blend together basil leaves, nuts, and garlic. Pour in oil slowly while still mixing. Stir in salt and pepper. Serve over pasta and top with cheese.
