My Favorite Pesto Recipes

Steps:

• Place basil, pine nuts, nutritional yeast, garlic, lemon juice, thyme (if using), salt, and 1/2 cup olive oil in your high-speed blender (I use and recommend a Vitamix). Blend until a bit of a paste forms, drizzling in more olive oil as necessary until your pesto reaches the consistency you like. Taste and add additional salt if desired.
• Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze for up to several months.

Steps:

• Combine basil leaves, pine nuts or walnuts and garlic in a food processor and process until very finely minced.
• With the machine running slowly dribble in the oil and process until the mixture is smooth.
• Add the cheese and process very briefly, just long enough to combine. Store in refrigerator or freezer.

Steps:

• Combine 2 cups basil leaves, garlic and 1/3 of the pine nuts in a blender or food processor and puree to desired smoothness.
• Add 1/2 cup Parmesan and the Romano cheese and blend briefly.
• Pour in 1/2 cup olive oil and mix well.
• Set aside.
• Cook pasta in 4 quarts of water until very al dente.
• Drain and toss in a large bowl with the remaining 3 tablespoons olive oil.
• Cool to room temperature, occasionally stiring the pasta to coat thoroughly.
• Mix reserved pesto with pasta.
• Garnish with the remaining nuts and fresh basil leaves and put the additional cheese in a serving bowl to put on top of pasta if desired.
• Serve at room temperature.