One of the things I like to do for meal prepping is to make sauces at the beginning of the week. I like this because even if I don't know exactly what is on the menu, if I have a delicious sauce in the fridge waiting on me, I can usually creates a yummy dinner in no time! Sauces like my basic basil pesto are one of my staples that I almost always have on hand! When I say basic basil pesto, that is not to take away from how utterly delicious a basic pesto actually can be. What I mean is that it is the most simple form of pesto, a basic formula to build on for any future pesto creations. I love having a batch of this in the fridge or the freezer for pizzas, pastas, sandwiches, eggs, and more and I think you are going to love making a homemade basic basil pesto in your kitchen too!
There is absolutely nothing wrong with buying store bought pesto, however there are usually a few suspect ingredients in most and the oil content is usually higher than if you were to make your own! Trust me when I say that there is nothing better than homemade pesto made with fresh basil! From the vibrant color to the flavor, once you make it at home, you won't want it any other way!
It freezes beautifully too, so I love making a large batch and freezing half for another day when I need a fast meal! It's fresh, delicious, and healthy and after making it once you will wonder why you have never made your own before now!
Once you get hooked on homemade pesto, you might be interested in a few of my other recipes that use pesto as well!
Ingredients:
2 Cups Fresh Basil
2 Cloves of Garlic
1/4 Cup Fresh Grated Parmesan Cheese
2 Tbsp. of Pine Nuts
1/4 Cup of Extra Virgin Olive Oil, adding more if needed for consistency
1 Tsp. Salt
1/2 Tsp. Pepper
!/2 Tsp. Lemon Juice (optional but helps keep the green vibrant for longer if storing)
Directions:
Add all ingredients to the food processor and pulse until smooth and creamy.
Add more oil if needed for consistency.
Store in the fridge for up to a week or in the freezer for up to a month in an airtight container.
If you are not a basil fan or of some other ingredient in the basic pesto just try playing around with swapping ingredients. Try using cilantro instead of basil or add a few cups of spinach to the pesto to add a healthy dose of veggies to your meal! The options are endless and I can't wait for you to give this one a try!
