Step 1 : Preparing the ingredients
Wash and dry the fresh basil leaves
Toast the walnuts in a dry pan over medium heat until they become fragrant. Be careful not to burn them.
Step 2 : Combine Basil, Walnuts, Garlic, and Parmesan
In a food processor, add 2 cups of fresh basil leaves, 1/2 cup of toasted walnuts, 2 peeled garlic cloves, and 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese.
Step 3 : Start processing
Pulse the ingredients in the food processor until they are roughly chopped and well mixed. You may need to scrape down the sides of the bowl with a spatula as needed.
Step 4: Drizzle in walnut oil
With the food processor running, gradually drizzle in 1/2 cup of walnut oil through the feed tube. Continue processing until the pesto reaches your desired consistency. You can make it smoother or leave it slightly chunky, depending on your preference.
Step 5: Season and adjust
Taste the walnut pesto and season it with salt and pepper as needed. Adjust the seasoning to your taste.
Step 6: Serve or store
Use the walnut pesto immediately as a sauce for pasta, as a dip for bread, or as a spread for sandwiches. Alternatively, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for later use. To prevent discoloration, you can drizzle a thin layer of walnut oil on the surface of the pesto before sealing the container.
