A simple, easy Pesto Recipe made with fresh basil leaves, almonds and garlic in extra virgin olive oil. Made with just 5 simple ingredients in less than 10 minutes, this Pesto Sauce without cheese is the fastest, easiest way to add flavor to any meal.

Recipe Snapshot

  • Prep time: 5 minutes
  • Cook time: 3 minutes
  • Total time: 8 minutes
  • Yield: 1 · 1 small-sized bowl
  • Category: Condiment, Side Dish
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean, World

Ingredients

  • 2 cups fresh basil leaves (- 50 grams)
  • ¼ cup almonds (- lightly roasted/toasted)
  • ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 garlic cloves (- small to medium sized)
  • 4 to 5 black peppercorns (- optional)
  • ⅛ teaspoon salt (or add as per taste)

Method

  1. First roast/toast the almonds in a small frying pan or a small skillet on low heat for 2 to 3 minutes. Transfer to a plate and let the almonds cool.
  2. Add the almonds in a food processor or food chopper or a grinder jar. Coarsely crush the almonds.
  3. Then add the basil leaves, garlic, black pepper and salt.
  4. Crush the basil leaves and add the oil while crushing and blending the whole mixture. You could make the pesto a little coarse or fine. Its your choice.
  5. Remove and store pesto in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Kiyaan Singh’s Kitchen Note

Keep this recipe as a working base: cook once as written, then adjust spice, texture, and serving style for your own table.