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Why Make Pesto at Home?
Store-bought pesto can’t compete with the fresh, vibrant flavours of homemade basil pesto. When you make it yourself, you control the quality of ingredients, adjust flavours to your liking, and avoid unnecessary preservatives. Plus, it’s one of the easiest ways to elevate pasta, sandwiches, grilled meats, and even roasted vegetables.
The classic Italian pesto, Pesto alla Genovese, is traditionally made using a mortar and pestle, which helps to release the natural oils from the basil, enhancing its aroma and flavor. While a food processor is a convenient alternative, if you have the time, using a mortar and pestle will give you the richest, most well-rounded pesto.
Ingredients
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- Fresh Basil (2 cups, packed) – The star of the show, providing the signature aromatic, slightly peppery taste.
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- Pine Nuts (¼ cup) – Adds a buttery, nutty depth that complements the basil.
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- Garlic (1 clove) – Brings a pungent kick that enhances the overall flavor.
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- Parmesan or Grana Padano (½ cup, finely grated) – Adds umami, richness, and a salty bite.
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- Extra Virgin Olive Oil (½ cup) – The key to a smooth, emulsified texture; always use high-quality oil.
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- Sea Salt (½ tsp) – Enhances all the flavors and balances the ingredients.
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- Lemon Juice (1 tsp, optional) – A touch of acidity brightens the pesto and helps maintain its vibrant green color.
Instructions
Traditional Mortar & Pestle Method
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- Crush the Garlic & Salt – In a mortar, pound the garlic and sea salt into a smooth paste.
- Add Pine Nuts – Crush until they form a coarse paste.
- Incorporate the Basil – Gradually add basil leaves, crushing them in circular motions until they break down completely.
- Mix in Cheese – Stir in the grated Parmesan or Grana Padano.
- Slowly Add Olive Oil – Drizzle in the oil while mixing gently to create a smooth, creamy pesto.
- Adjust Seasoning – Taste and add lemon juice or more salt if needed.
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Like this recipe? You should try cooking with us! Start with an on-demand pre-recorded class, or jump in to the best experience with our live classes!
We have taken many classes over several years, and they never disappoint! Kristie & team always have great pointers and tricks to learn in the video. We love the Japanese burgers, and they are always a hit with guests. That's the thing: you make the recipe at home, it doesn't take a long time, and the result is so good that you want to make it again and again. Just try one, you'll see. 🙂
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I have taken a few classes in the past - always find the products delicious, and I enjoy the challenge of trying to keep up 🙂
I subscribe the updates and get links to recipes - I recently made the Olive Oil Lemon cake. It turned out delicious – as you said in the description, very moist! My daughter has a birthday in strawberry season and typically she asks for strawberry shortcake with a traditional shortcake recipe… I served the lemon came this weekend with a bit of whipping cream and fresh strawberries (your picture was quite enticing) and her comment was that her birthday request this year would be to replace the traditional shortcake with this recipe!
I subscribe the updates and get links to recipes - I recently made the Olive Oil Lemon cake. It turned out delicious – as you said in the description, very moist! My daughter has a birthday in strawberry season and typically she asks for strawberry shortcake with a traditional shortcake recipe… I served the lemon came this weekend with a bit of whipping cream and fresh strawberries (your picture was quite enticing) and her comment was that her birthday request this year would be to replace the traditional shortcake with this recipe!
I've taken several on-line cooking classes from The Culinary Studio and have really enjoyed each one. The recipes are delicious and the instructions are very well laid out. I always learn new cooking tips and skills.
It has been most likely a year and a half since I’ve made moussaka. Having the recording available was a godsend. So good and lots of leftovers! Having the recording is priceless!
I made Dan Dan noodles last month and again referred to the recording as it has been awhile. I was grateful for the reminders, tips and tricks. Not to mention, I love to cook with Kirstie and Jody. They make it so much fun!
Most of the meals I make are from your repertoire. I think I have close to 60!
I made Dan Dan noodles last month and again referred to the recording as it has been awhile. I was grateful for the reminders, tips and tricks. Not to mention, I love to cook with Kirstie and Jody. They make it so much fun!
Most of the meals I make are from your repertoire. I think I have close to 60!
Love these ladies! Classes are easy to follow, informative, filled with all kinds of tricks & tips and best of all DELICIOUS!! This is our "night out" dining adventure that we can re-do & show off to our family & friends.
My husband and I joined the Valentine's Day Date Night cooking class. Very enjoyable experience full of informative tips and thorough explanations followed by a delectable meal. Thank you Kirstie & Jodie. We'll be back!
I recently did an online Lamb Briyani class. It used some cooking techniques I wasn't familiar with and produced a dish that was as tasty as the best Indian food I've ever had the pleasure of enjoying.
I have done a few classes with the Culinary Studio and always enjoy the classes and the fabulous meals. They deliver the food to my door all prepped for the class if I like (which I do!). Highly recommended.
We did a virtual zoom cooking class. It was better than cooking classes we have done in a actual class. We really enjoyed our ourselves. We have made the meal a couple of times since the class. We have friends over for the session and have great restaurant quality meals
The Culinary Studio is an wonderful online chef duo!
You will learn delicious recipes taught in real time from start to end by two good friends who want nothing more than to teach you how to cook and and have fun doing it. Class presentation is practical and encouraging with one chef starting and one playing 'catch up' so you do not miss anything and no question will go unanswered!
The recipe with food pack is perfectly packaged and always arrives on time to make it easy so you do not have to shop!
Several recipes from the Culinary Studio are in our regular rotation!
Excited to keep cooking with you Kirstie and Jody!
You will learn delicious recipes taught in real time from start to end by two good friends who want nothing more than to teach you how to cook and and have fun doing it. Class presentation is practical and encouraging with one chef starting and one playing 'catch up' so you do not miss anything and no question will go unanswered!
The recipe with food pack is perfectly packaged and always arrives on time to make it easy so you do not have to shop!
Several recipes from the Culinary Studio are in our regular rotation!
Excited to keep cooking with you Kirstie and Jody!
Online classes have allowed me the convenience to open my computer and learn in the comfort of my home and to do the class on my own schedule rather than missing out due to life's interruptions. Classes are paced well and the chef's are ready to answer your cooking questions even if they are unrelated to the class. I have used the recipes frequently in my day to day life and recently at an event where I overhead participants raving about the soup and cookies I had prepared, which were from Culinary Studio class recipes.
I was at the Studio for the very first class they held and I have continued to take classes for the past 13 years. While some things have changed over the years, the quality, knowledge and skills Jody and Kirstie bring to each class has not.The skills I learned through the their instruction have been used daily.
I was at the Studio for the very first class they held and I have continued to take classes for the past 13 years. While some things have changed over the years, the quality, knowledge and skills Jody and Kirstie bring to each class has not.The skills I learned through the their instruction have been used daily.
To Chefs Kirstie & Jody! My family and I have thoroughly enjoyed the recipes and techniques we have acquired by following your live sessions and on-demand courses available on your website. You have a casual and an informative style that is very appealing. Most importantly both of you thrive on good food and beverage as much as we do! Bravo - we hope your future includes many more years of teaching and developing new dishes. Thank you. 🙂
Food Processor Method (Quick & Easy)
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- Blend Pine Nuts, Garlic & Basil – Pulse until roughly chopped.
- Add Cheese & Salt – Blend briefly to combine.
- Drizzle in Olive Oil – With the processor running, slowly pour in the olive oil until smooth.
- Taste & Adjust – Add lemon juice or extra seasoning if needed.
💡 Pro Tip: If using a food processor, avoid over-blending the olive oil, as this can cause bitterness.
Notes
How to Use Basil Pesto
Once you have a fresh jar of pesto, the possibilities are endless! Here are some delicious ways to use it: ✔ Tossed with fresh pasta for a simple, flavorful meal.
✔ Spread on sandwiches or wraps for a herby boost.
✔ Dolloped onto grilled meats or fish for a fresh contrast.
✔ Mixed with mayo or yogurt for a creamy pesto-style dip.
✔ Drizzled over roasted vegetables for extra depth of flavor.
Variations & Substitutions
🌿 Swap the Basil – Try arugula, cilantro, or parsley for a unique twist.
🌰 Swap the Nuts – Use almonds, walnuts, or even pumpkin seeds instead of pine nuts.
🧄 Adjust the Garlic – Use roasted garlic for a milder, sweeter flavor.
🍋 Brighten It Up – Add more lemon juice for a zesty, fresh finish.
More Recipes You’ll Love
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- Homemade Ranch Dressing – Creamy, tangy, and preservative-free.
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- Parsley-Pumpkin Seed Pesto – A nutty, umami-packed alternative.
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- Smoky Chipotle Sauce – A bold, spicy sauce for tacos and sandwiches.
Storage Tips
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- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container with a thin layer of olive oil on top to prevent oxidation. Keeps for up to 1 week.
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- Freeze: Pour into ice cube trays and freeze for up to 3 months. Defrost as needed!
