Thinking of having a quick snack on the patio? Play around with this aromatic Basil Pesto recipe from Simply Recipes for some extra flavour that you can add to a slice of toast or toss with pasta for a light meal.
Ingredients
2 cups fresh basil leaves, packed (can substitute half the basil leaves with baby spinach)
1/2 cup freshly grated Romano or Parmesan cheese (about 2 ounces)
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
1/3 cup pine nuts (can substitute with chopped walnuts)
3 cloves garlic, minced (about 1 tablespoon)
1/4 teaspoon salt, or more to taste
1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, or more to taste
Method
Pulse the basil and pine nuts:
Place the basil leaves and pine nuts into the bowl of a food processor and pulse several times.
Add the garlic and cheese:
Add the garlic and Parmesan or Romano cheese and pulse several times more. Scrape down the sides of the food processor with a rubber spatula.
Season the pesto sauce:
Add salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Toss with pasta for a quick sauce, dollop over baked potatoes, or spread onto crackers or toasted slices of bread.
Source: www.simplyrecipes.com/recipes/fresh_basil_pesto
Photography: GYPSEENIA LION
