Basil Pesto

Since basil leaves turn brown when they come in prolonged contact with air, spread a thin layer of olive oil on top of the pesto before refrigerating in a tightly sealed container. If you omit the soy parmesan, you may want to add a little more salt.

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Serves: 2 cups
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Makes 2 cups

What you need:

  • 2 to 3 garlic cloves
  • 1/4 cup pine nuts
  • 3 cups fresh basil leaves, firmly packed
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1/4 cup grated soy parmesan (optional)

What you do:

  1. Place the garlic and pine nuts in a food processor and process until minced. Add the basil, salt, and pepper, and process until the mixture is ground to a paste. With the machine running, stream in the olive oil until well-blended.
  2. Transfer to a bowl and stir in the soy parmesan, if using. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.