Basic Basil Pesto

Ingredients

• 2 cups packed fresh basil leaves
• 2 cloves garlic
• ¼ cup pine nuts
• ⅔ cup extra-virgin olive oil, divided
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• ½ cup freshly grated Pecorino or Parmesan cheese

Directions

Combine the basil, garlic, and pine nuts in a food processor or blender and process until coarsely chopped. Add ½ cup of the oil and process until sauce is smooth. Season with salt and pepper.

Add all the remaining oil and pulse until smooth. Transfer to a bowl and mix in the cheese. Store in the refrigerator until ready to serve.