Description
2 cups fresh parsley leaves, packed
¼ cup walnuts or almonds
2 cloves garlic, minced
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
½ cup olive oil
Juice of ½ lemon
Directions:
In a food processor, combine parsley, walnuts, garlic, Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper.
Pulse until the are finely chopped.
With the processor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the mixture becomes smooth.
Add lemon juice and pulse once more to incorporate.
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Use immediately or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Kcal: 180 kcal per serving
Servings: 4
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed instructions for perfect pesto every time.
- Prep Ingredients: Thoroughly wash and dry the parsley. Grate the Parmesan cheese and mince the garlic.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In the bowl of your food processor, add the parsley, walnuts, minced garlic, grated Parmesan, salt, and black pepper.
- Pulse to Chop: Secure the lid and pulse 8-10 times in short bursts until the ingredients are finely and evenly chopped. Scrape down the sides with a spatula if needed.
- Emulsify with Oil: Turn the food processor to its lowest continuous setting. Very slowly drizzle the olive oil through the feed tube in a thin, steady stream. This gradual process creates a creamy, emulsified sauce.
- Finish with Lemon: Once the oil is fully incorporated and the mixture is smooth, add the fresh lemon juice. Pulse 2-3 more times just to combine.
- Final Adjustments: Taste your pesto. You can add more salt, pepper, or a touch of lemon juice to suit your preference.
Serving Suggestions
This vibrant parsley pesto is incredibly versatile. Toss it with hot pasta for a quick dinner. Use it as a flavorful spread on sandwiches, paninis, or bruschetta. Dollop it over grilled chicken, fish, or roasted vegetables. Stir a spoonful into soups or scrambled eggs for an instant flavor boost, or mix it with Greek yogurt for a delicious dip.
How-to Summary
To make parsley pesto, combine parsley, nuts, garlic, Parmesan, salt, and pepper in a food processor and pulse until chopped. With the machine running, slowly drizzle in olive oil until smooth. Finish by pulsing in lemon juice, then adjust seasoning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different nut? Absolutely. Walnuts and almonds are suggested, but pine nuts (traditional in basil pesto), pistachios, or even sunflower seeds work well.
How long does homemade pesto last? Stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, it will keep for up to one week. Press plastic wrap directly onto the surface before sealing to minimize oxidation.
Can I freeze this pesto? Yes, for up to 3 months. Freeze it in an ice cube tray for perfect portion-sized cubes, then transfer to a freezer bag. Thaw in the refrigerator.
My pesto turned out bitter. Why? Over-processing the parsley or using old nuts can cause bitterness. Pulse, don’t puree, and ensure your nuts are fresh.
Is there a substitute for Parmesan cheese? For a dairy-free version, use nutritional yeast or a hard, aged vegan cheese alternative. The flavor will be different but still tasty.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using a Blender Instead of a Food Processor: Blenders can easily over-process the herbs, leading to a bitter, watery pesto. A food processor’s pulse function gives you superior control.
- Adding Oil All at Once: Dumping in the oil prevents proper emulsification, resulting in a separated, oily sauce. The slow drizzle is crucial for a creamy texture.
- Skipping the Taste Test: Always taste and adjust seasoning at the end. You may need more salt, acid (lemon), or cheese to balance the flavors perfectly.
- Not Drying the Herbs: Excess water on the parsley will dilute your pesto and shorten its shelf life. Use a salad spinner or pat leaves thoroughly dry.
Conclusion
This simple parsley pesto recipe proves that incredible flavor doesn’t require complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients. In just five minutes, you can create a vibrant, versatile sauce that elevates everyday meals from ordinary to extraordinary. Its fresh, herbaceous flavor and creamy texture make it a staple worth keeping in your culinary repertoire. Enjoy the process and the delicious results!