Fresh basil pesto recipe - And can you freeze it?!
Fresh basil pesto recipe - And can you freeze it?
I have fresh basil growing and now that the really hot weather is here I need to use it all and make pesto. I'm looking for a good pesto recipe and also need to know if once it's made, can I freeze it? I have quite a bit of basil to use. Thanks!
Answers:
2 cups packed fresh basil leaves
2 cloves garlic
1/4 cup pine nuts
2/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1/2 cup freshly grated Pecorino cheese (see Cook's Note)
Combine the basil, garlic, and pine nuts in a food processor and pulse until coarsely chopped. Add the 1/2 cup of the oil and process until fully incorporated and smooth. Season with salt and pepper. If freezing, transfer to an air-tight container and drizzle remaining oil over the top.
Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw and stir in cheese.
COOKS NOTE: If using immediately, add all the oil and pulse until smooth. Transfer the pesto to a large serving bowl and mix in the cheese