Pesto without nuts

 by jessyratfink
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My boyfriend is allergic to nuts, so I had to figure out how to make pesto without the pine nuts. This one is so good that you won't even miss them. :)

It'll take about five minutes to make. It also makes enough pesto for two 16 oz packages of pasta, so it's cheap too!

Step 1: Ingredients:

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  • 1/3 cup parmesan (my container had a weight of 2.5 oz)
  • 1 bunch basil
  • 1/2 cup olive oil (start with 1/4 cup and work your way up)
  • 3 cloves garlic
  • 1-2 tsp lemon juice
  • salt and pepper to taste

Step 2: Prep.

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Pull all the leaves off your basil stems and roughly chop your garlic.

Chopping the garlic is not entirely necessary, but I like to give it a head start so there's no large pieces left.

Step 3: Process!

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Put the basil, cheese, and garlic in your food processor. Set the speed to low and drizzle in your olive oil. Start with 1/4 cup, check the consistency, and add more if you like.

I normally add the full 1/2 cup, because I like my pesto to be more runny. :)

Step 4: Add salt, pepper, lemon

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Scrape down the sides and add a generous pinch of salt, some pepper, and a bit of lemon juice. Pulse this together and taste. Keep adding and pulsing until you like the way it tastes. :)

And now you're done. Easy, right?

Step 5: Eat some, freeze the rest!

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This recipe makes about a cup, and 1/2 cup is enough to cover a big pot of pasta - so you'll have a good amount left over. It freezes very well - you can either freeze it in one lump, or freeze it in an ice cube tray.
FlatLinerMEDIC says: Feb 18, 2012. 4:24 PM
REAL REAL REAL italian (northern) pesto has no nuts...so. Put down that this is grade A =)

sfinuto
Paperduck says: Feb 16, 2012. 11:17 PM
If allergies are the problem you could try to substitute pine nuts with almonds or roasted sunflower seeds. I say almonds because they are the "nuttiest" thing I can think of which my girlfriend who is also allergic to nuts can eat.
I never tried this in pesto but it might be worth looking into.
billbillt says: Jan 13, 2012. 2:06 PM
This will be the one I will make..I despise pine nuts..
FoolishSage says: Jan 13, 2012. 7:07 AM
I've only ever seen pine nuts in pesto when it is store bought. I often make it at home similar to how you describe it here!
MsJaxFla says: Jan 13, 2012. 6:58 AM
Oh wonderful.... I am copying it into an email to myself right now. I am not allergic, love pine nuts. I just can not afford them. Thank you so much for this recipe.

MsMissyG says: Jan 12, 2012. 3:36 PM
I will have to try this...im allergic to pine.
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