Home-made pesto

Recipe adapted from Fratelli Fresh Cooking Class

Home-made pesto is soo tasty ~ i actually think it's almost about the same price as buying it because basil and pine nuts really are that expensive these days! Nonetheless, there is great satisfaction in making something from scratch and knowing exactly what goes in it! Give it a go!

Prep time: 15 min

Cooking time: 10 min

Ingredients:
3 garlic cloves
90g pine nuts
20g parmesan or pecorino, grated
1 bunch basil
salt, pepper
olive oil

Method:
1. Roast pine nuts in dry pan (no oil), or in oven at 160C for 5-10 min, checking every few minutes and tossing them to make sure they don't burn. When finished, let it cool for a 5 minutes.

2. Using a food processor, combine the garlic, pine nuts and parmesan first. Process, adding oil intermittently until it becomes a thick paste.

3. Add basil and continue adding olive oil and processing until it becomes a nice texture. Taste and season with salt and pepper.
NB. Add basil after nut mixture is made to avoid bruising the leaves.

4. Use a spatula to get all the pesto out, then cover with a layer of oil on top to help preserve it. This oil can be mixed into the pesto later when using it. This should keep for 2-3 weeks.