Basil Pesto

Pesto:  It traditionally consists of crushed garlic, pine nuts, coarse salt, basil leaves, Parmesan and pecorino all blended with olive oil. 

TOTAL TIME
5 min

PREP 5 min

YIELD 1 cup

Ingredients

2 cups packed fresh basil leaves
2 cloves garlic
1/4 cup pine nuts
2/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil, divided
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
¼ cup freshly grated Pecorino cheese
¼ cup freshly grated Reggiano Parmesan 

Directions 
Combine the basil, garlic, and pine nuts in a food processor and pulse until coarsely chopped. Add 1/2 cup of the oil and process until fully incorporated and smooth. Season with salt and pepper.

If using immediately, add all the remaining oil and pulse until smooth. Transfer the pesto to a large serving bowl and mix in the cheese.

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.