Walnut Basil Pesto

Walnut Basil Pesto is a delicious and versatile sauce made with fresh basil, toasted walnuts, garlic, Parmesan cheese, olive oil, and a hint of lemon juice. It is a variation of the classic Italian sauce, pesto, which traditionally uses pine nuts. However, using walnuts adds a unique and slightly earthy flavor to the sauce. Here's a simple recipe for Walnut Basil Pesto:

Ingredients:

• 2 cups fresh basil leaves, packed
• 1/2 cup walnuts, toasted
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Start by toasting the walnuts. Heat a dry skillet over medium heat and add the walnuts. Toast them for a few minutes, stirring occasionally, until they turn lightly golden and become fragrant. Be careful not to burn them. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
2. Once the walnuts have cooled, place them in a food processor or blender. Add the basil leaves, garlic, and Parmesan cheese to the processor.
3. Begin pulsing the ingredients in the processor while slowly pouring in the olive oil through the feed tube. Continue blending until the mixture reaches a smooth and creamy consistency.
4. Add the fresh lemon juice and season with salt and pepper to taste. Pulse a few more times to incorporate the flavors.
5. Taste the pesto and adjust the seasonings if needed. If you prefer a thinner consistency, you can add a little more olive oil.
6. Transfer the Walnut Basil Pesto to a jar or airtight container. If not using immediately, you can store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. To prevent discoloration, you can drizzle a thin layer of olive oil on top of the pesto before sealing the container.

Walnut Basil Pesto is incredibly versatile and can be used in various ways. It can be tossed with pasta, spread on sandwiches or wraps, used as a marinade for grilled vegetables or chicken, or even as a topping for grilled fish. Get creative and enjoy the rich, nutty flavors of this delightful pesto sauce!