Classic Pesto

Directions

1. 1
   In the bowl of a food processor, pulse the nuts and garlic until crumbly.
2. 2
   Add the basil, oil, salt, pepper, and grated cheese and process until fairly smooth.
3. 3
   Use soy or rice Parmesan for a vegan variation.
4. 4
   If your basil supply is limited, or if you prefer a milder flavor, substitute spinach leaves for up to half of the basil.
5. 5
   Add a touch of lemon juice or some chopped tomatoes.
6. 6
   In the summer, when basil is abundant and reasonably priced, make pesto for your freezer.
7. 7
   (Multiply this recipe for the amount of basil you have.)
8. 8
   Omit the cheese and freeze the mixture in ice cube trays.
9. 9
   When theyre frozen, pop the cubes out and store in a freezer bag, where they will keep for months.
10. 10
    Then, when youre ready for a taste of summer, defrost some cubes and puree with the cheese.
11. 11
    The frozen cubes are also handy for tossing into soups, stews, and sauces for a quick flavor boost.
12. 12
    Pasta tossed with pesto and topped with chopped tomatoes is one of our favorite simple suppers.
13. 13
    Or stir some pesto into cooked rice or other grains.
14. 14
    It also makes a nice sandwich spreadtry it on Tortilla Melt (page 144) or a cheese and tomato sandwich.
15. 15
    Toss some with leftover pasta and add a few steamed or raw vegetables for a quick pasta salad.