Bobby Flay Pesto Recipe
This Bobby Flay Pesto Recipe is fresh, herby and full of bold flavor. It is a quick and easy sauce you can make at home.
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves
- ½ cup olive oil
- ⅓ cup pine nuts or walnuts
- 2 garlic cloves
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 –2 tablespoons lemon juice optional
Instructions
Wash basil leaves
- Wash basil gently in cold water. Pat dry completely using a clean towel. Water can affect texture.
Add nuts and garlic
- Place pine nuts and garlic in food processor. Blend lightly until slightly broken into small pieces.
Add basil leaves
- Add fresh basil leaves into the processor. Pulse slowly to avoid over-blending and keep color bright green.
Pour olive oil
- Slowly add olive oil while blending. This helps create a smooth and creamy pesto texture.
Add cheese
- Add grated parmesan cheese. Blend again until everything mixes well into a thick sauce.
Season the pesto
- Add salt, pepper and lemon juice if using. Blend lightly again for balanced flavor.
Check texture
- Stop blending when pesto is slightly chunky. Do not over-process or it will become too smooth.
Taste and adjust
- Taste pesto and adjust salt or lemon juice if needed. Make it according to your preference.
Store or serve
- Transfer pesto into a jar. Use immediately or store in the fridge for later use.
Notes
- Use fresh basil only for best flavor
- Toast nuts for deeper taste
- Add spinach for extra green color
- Replace pine nuts with almonds or walnuts
- Use pecorino cheese instead of parmesan
- Add chili flakes for spicy pesto
- Freeze in small portions for later use
- Add more olive oil for thinner sauce