Using a mortar and pestle (highly recommended to use for a more flavorful pesto) add your garlic and a pinch of kosher salt until it turns into a paste.
Start adding you basil in large bunches until it is all crushed into fine pieces.
Add in the raw pine nuts and crush.
Next, add the finely grated Parmigiana-Reggiano and combine in large batches until all is incorporated.
Finally, stir in the extra virgin olive oil about 1 tablespoon at a time. Enjoy with a toasted slice of bread, crackers, pasta, or just by itself!
Ingredients for 2 servings
2 cloves
garlic
Pinch
Kosher salt
Large bunch
basil (about 2 oz.)
1 tablespoon
raw pine nuts
1 oz.
Parmigiano-Reggiano (finely grated on a microplane)
1/2 cup
mild extra virgin olive oil (I used California Olive Ranch XVOO)
Using a mortar & pestle will elevate your recipes to the next level.
This recipe makes about 1/2 cup pesto. If you are looking to share with a group of people or want this for pasta, I would recommend doubling the recipe.