Description
Purple Basil Pesto is a vibrant twist on the classic Italian sauce, perfect for adding a burst of flavor to your meals. Made with fresh purple basil, garlic, and pine nuts, this easy recipe transforms pasta, sandwiches, and grilled vegetables into gourmet dishes. With its stunning color and rich taste, it’s a showstopper for dinner parties or an effortless upgrade for weeknight dinners. Whip it up in just minutes to impress family and friends with this delightful culinary creation.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups fresh purple basil leaves
- 1/4 cup pine nuts (toasted)
- 2 garlic cloves
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Gather all ingredients: purple basil, garlic, toasted pine nuts, Parmesan, olive oil, and lemon juice.
- In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the pine nuts until golden brown (about 3-5 minutes).
- In a food processor, blend purple basil leaves, toasted pine nuts, garlic cloves, and Parmesan cheese until coarsely chopped.
- With the processor running, slowly drizzle in olive oil until smooth. Add lemon juice for zest.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve immediately over pasta or as a spread.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons (30g)
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 10mg