how do I make pesto?

[muddleduck]

Hi.
I have tried growing basil for the first time this year and have ended up with far more than I expected. How do I turn it into yummy pesto.

thanks

[12StoneNeedsToBe10]

loads of basil, olive oil, pine nuts, garlic and parmesan cheese whizzed in a food-processor.
Try this

[Meglet]

not sure of exact quantities, but TBH its dead easy. you need extra virgin olive oil, toasted pine nuts (watch out because they burn fast), parmesan, garlic and basil.

Chuck it all in together, i have a hand blender so its done in 20 seconds.

[mistlethrush]

The secret is to add 2tbsp of the pasta cooking water before final blitz and just before you drain the pasta...

[muddleduck]

ta.
so I don't need to cook the garlic? Just toast the pine nuts?

[mistlethrush]

I don't even toast the pinenuts. I put a large handful of basil leaves (I remove stalks, certainly of the older bits), about 1tbsp olive oil, 2 handfuls pinenuts, 1 handful grated strong cheese, 2 cloves of garlic and blitz - then just before serving, add 2 tbsp cooking water of the pasta and blitz again - makes it silky smooth and slightly warm.