Yield: 1 cup, 6 servings

This aromatic sauce gives meals an authentic Italian flavor.

Ingredients

• 2 cups basil leaves, stemmed and firmly packed
• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 teaspoon crushed garlic
• 1/4 teaspoon plus 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup pine nuts, walnuts, or pecans

 Equipment 

• measuring cups
• garlic press
• measuring spoons
• food processor
• rubber spatula

Put the basil, oil, garlic, and salt in a food processor fitted with the S blade and process until the basil is chopped. Add the pine nuts and process until smooth, stopping occasionally to scrape down the work bowl with a rubber spatula. Do not overprocess; flecks of pine nuts should be visible throughout. Stored in a sealed container in the refrigerator, Pesto will keep for 5 days.

Per serving: calories: 129, protein: 1 g, fat: 14 g, carbohydrate: 1 g, fiber: 0 g, sodium: 136 mg