Recipe: Easy Garlic and Basil Pesto

It’s always a great idea to have a pesto recipe on hand, should you need to whip up a tasty pasta dish in a hurry.

MAKES 1 SMALL JAR

50g (2oz) basil

30g (1oz) pine nuts, toasted

30g (1oz) Parmesan, or similar vegetarian hard cheese, freshly grated

3 cloves garlic, crushed

85ml (3fl oz) olive oil

½ lemon, juiced

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

 

METHOD

1. Put the basil, Parmesan, garlic and pine nuts into a food processor and season well.

2. Whiz together, and with the motor still running pour the oil in until the pesto thickens.

3. Use within one week.