Spicy Basil Pesto

Fresh homemade basil pesto is great on so many things! It’s so simple to make and tastes far better than any store bought pesto.

Toss with fresh pasta or zucchini noodles. Slather over beef, chicken, fish, or pork. Fresh, homemade basil pesto can be used as an easy marinade for grilled and roast meats. Spread pesto onto crusty bread, or stir pesto into bread dough for wonderful dinner rolls. Mix pesto with mayonnaise or use as is on a sandwich. Create a salad dressing using pesto. The possibilities are endless!

This simple and tasty basil pesto recipe combines fresh basil leaves, roasted pine nuts, garlic, one fresh hot pepper, Parmesan cheese, extra virgin olive oil, and salt and pepper. 

If you can’t find already roasted pine nuts at the store, place pine nuts on a baking sheet & pop them into a 400 degree oven for 5 to 10 minutes. Keep an eye on them since they can go from roasted to burnt very quickly. Don’t skip this part. It really enhances the flavor and tastes far better than plain pine nuts.

Using a food processor or blender, process basil, hot pepper, nuts, garlic, lemon juice, salt and black pepper until almost a smooth paste.

Slowly stream in olive oil (using either a food processor or blender, while the lid is still on). Once everything is combined, stir in parmesan cheese. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as desired.