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Gordon Ramsay Basil Pesto Recipe

Gordon Ramsay Basil Pesto Recipe

My Gordon Ramsay-style basil pesto recipe — toasted pine nuts, good olive oil, and a proper balance of garlic and Parmesan.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 3 minutes
Total Time 13 minutes
Servings: 250 Ml
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 190
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 60 g fresh basil leaves stalks removed
  • 40 g pine nuts
  • 2 garlic cloves
  • 50 g Parmesan finely grated
  • 150 ml extra virgin olive oil
  • Salt and black pepper
  • Squeeze of lemon juice

Method
 

  1. Toast pine nuts 2–3 minutes until golden. Cool.
  2. Pulse pine nuts, basil, garlic, and salt in a food processor.
  3. Drizzle in oil gradually while pulsing until a coarse paste forms.
  4. Stir in Parmesan by hand.
  5. Season with lemon juice, salt, and pepper.

Notes

Pulse rather than blend continuously to avoid bitter, discoloured pesto.
Toasting the pine nuts is a small step with a big effect on flavour.
Seal with a layer of olive oil in the fridge to extend freshness.
Freezes well in ice cube portions for up to 3 months.