Make this easy basic homemade basil pesto in less then 10 minutes! It is such a versatile sauce, spoon it over chicken, pasta, salads, spread it on sandwiches. plus so much more.

Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 0
Serves: 1/2 -3/4 cups

Ingredients:
2 C. fresh basil leaves packed (or use part basil, baby spinach, parsley or cilantro)
2 tsp. Minced garlic or two gloves
1/4 C. pine, walnut, or any nut you like, toasted
1/2 C. extra virgin olive oil, plus extra
Salt and pepper to taste
1/2 C. grated Parmigiano Reggiano Parmesan cheese or any hard cheese.

Possible add ins:

Roasted Red peppers, onions, shallots, any herb, the list goes on. Be creative to figure out your favorite combination.

Instructions:
In the bowl of a food processor or blender fitted with the steel blade, pulse the basil, garlic, nuts, salt & pepper until coarsely chopped.
With the motor running, slowly pour in the olive oil and process until smooth and oil is fully incorporated. Add your cheese and pulse just a couple of times to combine.
You can serve right away or put it in the fridge. If serving later make sure it’s in an airtight container with a thin layer of olive oil on top. Basil pesto tends to darken when exposed to air.
Enjoy!!!