Best Basil Pesto Lighter Version Recipes

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BASIL PESTO



Basil Pesto image

This simple Italian sauce brings summery flavor to all sorts of dishes, including our Pesto Pizzas and Chicken Fettuccine with Pesto Cream Sauce. Pesto is traditionally made with cheese, but it's just as good without (it freezes better, too).

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Appetizers

Time 30m

Yield Makes 1 3/4 cups

Number Of Ingredients 5

1 cup walnuts or pine nuts
Coarse salt and ground pepper
8 cups (4 ounces) lightly packed fresh basil leaves
2 garlic cloves, coarsely chopped
2/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spread nuts evenly on a rimmed baking sheet; toast in oven until golden and fragrant, tossing once, 8 to 10 minutes. Let cool completely.
  • Meanwhile, bring 4 cups salted water to a boil; add basil, and submerge with a spoon. Immediately drain in a colander. Rinse with cold water until cool, then pat basil completely dry in paper towels.
  • In a food processor, combine nuts, basil, and garlic; season generously with salt and pepper. Process until nuts are finely chopped. With machine running, pour oil in a steady stream through the feed tube; process until smooth. Use immediately, or freeze.

BASIL PESTO - "LIGHTER VERSION"



Basil Pesto -

A lighter version of the clasic pesto. This recipe is great for all the beautiful, fresh basil available in the summer

Provided by Kozmic Blues

Categories     Sauces

Time 5m

Yield 3/4 cup

Number Of Ingredients 6

2 tablespoons pine nuts
2 -4 cloves garlic
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
4 cups fresh basil leaves
1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
1/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste)

Steps:

  • Add nuts and garlic to blender and pulse until minced.
  • Add olive oil, pulse a few time more.
  • Add basil leaves, cheese, salt and blend until smooth.
  • Scrape sides of blender as you go to make sure everthing mixes well.
  • Serve with your favorite pasta.

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