Blender Pesto Recipes

Steps:

• Place the basil in a blender. Pour in about 1 tablespoon of the oil, and blend basil into a paste. Gradually add pine nuts, Brazil nuts, Parmesan cheese, garlic, chili powder, and remaining oil. Continue to blend until smooth.

Steps:

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package directions.
• Add the basil leaves to a large bowl, then cover with cold water and let sit while you start the pesto. To a blender, add the pine nuts, garlic, pepper, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/4 pepper and half the olive oil. Turn the blender to high and process until the mixture is smooth and looks like a liquidy nut butter. Drain the basil leaves, but do not pat them dry. (The excess water will help create a smooth and silky sauce.) Add the basil leaves to the blender along with the remaining olive oil. Cover the blender and process until completely smooth. Add the cheeses and process until just combined. Set aside.
• Before draining the pasta, reserve 1 cup pasta water. Drain the pasta and add it back to the pasta pot. Add the pesto and 1/2 cup pasta water. Turn the heat to low and toss together until the sauce is silky and clinging to the pasta, adding more pasta water if necessary.
• Transfer the pasta to bowls and top with extra Parmesan. Serve.

Steps:

• Combine basil, garlic, Parmesan cheese, olive oil, and nuts in the bowl of a food processor or blender. Blend to a smooth paste. Add parsley if desired.

Steps:

• Pulse the basil, pine nuts, garlic and 1/2 teaspoon salt in a food processor or blender until the basil is finely chopped.
• With the machine running, gradually add the olive oil and puree until emulsified. Stir in the Parmesan. To store, transfer to a container, cover and refrigerate up to 5 days.