Skip to main content
Epicurious
House & Garden

Pesto

By James Beard

3.9

(9)

Recipe information

  • Yield

    Makes 1 1/4 cups

Ingredients

2 cups fresh basil leaves
3 cloves garlic
1 cup parsley
2/3 cup pine nuts
Olive oil, approximately 1 cup

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Blend all ingredients in a blender, or pound in a mortar until they form a soft paste. The amount of oil used depends on the method. If you use the blender, it is best to make the pesto in two batches, using enough oil each time to cover the blades of the blender — about 1/2 cup. In the mortar method, add the oil a little at a time, until the paste has reached the proper consistency. It should not be too runny.

    Step 2

    To store unused portion of pesto, place in a jar and cover the surface with a film of olive oil. Wrap in foil or plastic wrap. Keep in refrigerator or freeze.

TagsSauceSpreadsItalianEuropeanBasilHerbs & SpicesGarlicRoot VegetableVegetableParsleyPine NutNutGluten FreeVegetarianKetoQuickEasy5 Ingredients or Fewer30 Minutes or LessMake AheadNo-CookBlenderHouse & Garden
Read More
The Most-Saved Recipes in the Epicurious App in May
Like miso-peanut hibachi chicken and spring orzotto.
Whole Lemon Bars
Using two entire lemons—pith, skin, and all—cranks up the citrus flavor in this classic dessert.
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.
Grilled Salmon With Dill Chimichurri
Grilling fish atop a bed of lemon slices is the key to not sticking.
Grilled Steak With Spicy Peanut Dressing
A punchy, spicy peanut vinaigrette transforms a simply grilled steak into a showstopping main.
The Most-Saved Recipes in the Epicurious App This Week
Like “phenomenal” whole lemon bars and grilled salmon with dill chimichurri.
Charred Vegetable Ragù
This sauce is slightly magical. The texture cloaks pasta much like a traditional meat sauce does, and the flavors are deep and rich, but it’s actually vegan!
Miso-Peanut Hibachi Chicken
The magic of this hibachi chicken recipe comes from a combination of miso and peanut butter and how it beautifully caramelizes when it hits the grill.