Summer Pesto

Basil and Walnut

Preparation info
    • Difficulty

      Easy

Appears in
Seed to Table: A Seasonal Guide to Organically Growing, Cooking, and Preserving Food at Home

By Luay Ghafari

Published 2023

  • About

Though the addition of walnuts may bother Genovese pesto purists, I stand by my more attainable and affordable nut choice. Pine nuts are however traditional; by all means, feel free to use them instead of walnuts if you can find a reliable source of European pine nuts.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups (50 g) packed basil leaves
  • ½ cup (60

Method

Instructions

  1. Optional Step: In a pot of boiling water, blanch basil for 30 seconds. Using a slotted spoon, transfer blanched basil leaves to a bowl of ice water. Using your hands, remove the basil from the ice bath and squeeze out as much water as possible. Set aside.
  2. In a food processor, add the walnuts, grated Parmigiano Reggiano (or nutritio