Skip to main content
Epicurious

Pesto

By Gianni Scappin

5.0

(5)

This recipe is part of the Epicurious Online Cooking School, in partnership with the Culinary Institute of America. To watch it being made, and to learn how to make other Italian classics, check out the videos.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    Makes 3 cups

Ingredients

1 small garlic clove, sliced
4 cups loosely packed fresh basil
1/2 cup freshly grated Pecorino Romano
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano
1/4 cup pine nuts, toasted
1 cup extra-virgin olive oil
Kosher salt

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    1. In a small pot of boiling water, blanch the garlic for 1 minute.

    Step 2

    2. In a blender, combine the garlic, basil, Pecorino Romano, Parmigiano-Reggiano, pine nuts, and 3/4 cup oil, and gently blend until a chunky purée forms. (To prevent the pesto from turning brown, don't run the blender on high.) Season to taste with salt, then add more olive oil, if needed, and continue to blend until the mixture is smooth and pourable.

Italian Cooking at Home with The Culinary Institute of America
TagsSauceSpreadsCondimentItalianEuropeanBasilHerbs & SpicesPine NutNutParmesanCheeseDairyPecorinoGluten FreeVegetarianEasyQuickWeeknight MealsMeal Prep5 Ingredients or FewerSimmerFood ProcessorBlenderEpicurious
Read More
The Only Frittata Recipe You’ll Ever Need
Keep this easy frittata recipe on hand for quick breakfasts, impressive brunches, and fridge clean-out meals.
José Andrés Recipes Worth Bookmarking
Like carrot farro salad and chicken paella.
The Most-Saved Recipes in the Epicurious App in May
Like miso-peanut hibachi chicken and spring orzotto.
Caramelized Onion Pasta
Turn humble onions into this thrifty yet luxe pasta dinner.
Paella de Pollo con Verduras
A crowd-friendly, crisp-edged chicken and vegetable rice from chef José Andrés.
13 Types of Nuts and How to Cook With Them
Filberts, goobers, scaly bark nuts: Explore the world beyond almonds in this guide.
31 Spring Cocktails for Warmer Days Ahead
Think a Hugo spritz, a gin basil smash, and plenty more patio-ready pours.
Golden Mushroom Soup With Orzo & a Pat of Butter
This is the type of soup that, at first glance, might seem a little…unexciting. But you’re underestimating the power of mushrooms, which do the heavy lifting.