Proper Pesto

Proper Pesto

A must-try mortar and pestle pesto recipe. The intensity and balance of big flavors in Chef John's made-by-hand basil pesto is beyond compare.

Preparation Time
20 mins
Total Time
20 mins
Calories
181 Calories

Recipe Instructions

Step 1
Crush garlic and pinch of kosher salt in a mortar with the pestle until garlic is mashed and paste-like, 1 or 2 minutes. Add basil in 3 or 4 additions, crushing and pounding down the leaves until they form a fairly fine paste, about 8 minutes or more depending on size of leaves and thickness of stems. Add and pound in pine nuts.
Step 2
Transfer a handful of grated cheese to mortar and pound into the sauce. Add another handful of cheese and incorporate into the mixture. Continue adding cheese a handful at a time until completely incorporated, about 5 minutes.
Step 3
Drizzle in olive oil 1 tablespoon at a time, pounding it into the sauce. When all the olive oil has been added and emulsified into the mixture, transfer pesto to a bowl and drizzle the surface with olive oil.
Proper Pesto
Proper Pesto
Proper Pesto
Proper Pesto

Ingredients

  • 3 tablespoons pine nuts
  • 4 cloves garlic, peeled
  • 1 large bunch fresh basil
  • 2 ounces finely grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
  • 0.25 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 0.5 cup mild extra-virgin olive oil

Categories

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