Description
Mediterranean magic unfolds with this zesty parsley pesto, blending fresh herbs and rich olive oil into a smooth, aromatic sauce. Quick and easy preparation lets you elevate simple dishes with complex, bold Mediterranean flavors that dance on your palate.
Ingredients
Scale
Herbs and Greens:
- 2 cups (473 ml) fresh parsley leaves (flat-leaf or curly, stems removed)
Nuts and Cheese:
- ¼ cup (30 g) grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup (30 g) pine nuts (or walnuts, almonds, or sunflower seeds)
Seasonings and Liquids:
- 12 cloves garlic, roughly chopped
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) fresh lemon juice
- ⅓ cup (79 ml) olive oil (plus more if needed)
- ¼ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Carefully select fresh, vibrant parsley leaves, ensuring they are clean and thoroughly dried to prevent watery pesto.
- Gently warm a skillet and distribute pine nuts evenly, stirring frequently to achieve an even golden-brown color without burning, releasing their rich nutty aroma.
- Transfer toasted nuts to a cool surface, allowing them to rest and maintain their crisp texture.
- Prepare the food processor by ensuring the blade is sharp and clean for optimal blending.
- Combine parsley, Parmesan, cooled pine nuts, peeled garlic, and a splash of lemon juice into the processor’s chamber.
- Pulse the ingredients rhythmically, creating a coarse, textured mixture that maintains distinct herb and nut characteristics.
- Gradually stream extra virgin olive oil through the processor’s feed tube while continuing to blend, watching the pesto transform into a smooth, cohesive sauce.
- Pause periodically to scrape down the sides, guaranteeing all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Taste the pesto, adjusting seasoning with delicate pinches of salt and pepper to enhance the herbaceous flavors.
- Squeeze additional lemon juice if you desire a brighter, more citrusy profile.
- Transfer the pesto to a clean storage container, smoothing the surface to prevent oxidation.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate, knowing the flavors will continue to develop and intensify over the next few hours.
Notes
- Toasting nuts enhances their nutty flavor and adds a delightful crunch, making the pesto more aromatic and complex.
- Use fresh, vibrant parsley for the brightest green color and most robust herbaceous taste in your pesto.
- For a dairy-free version, swap Parmesan with nutritional yeast or omit cheese completely, maintaining the sauce’s rich texture.
- Prevent browning by adding a thin layer of olive oil on top when storing, which creates a protective barrier against oxidation.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks, Lunch
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 235
- Sugar: 0.5 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 19 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 1.5 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 5 mg