---
comments: true
tags:
  - sauce
  - italian
  - cooks-illustrated
  - pesto
---
# :herb: Cook's Country Perfect Pesto

![Cook's Country Perfect Pesto](../../assets/images/cook's-country-perfect-pesto.jpg){ loading=lazy }

| :fork_and_knife_with_plate: Serves | :timer_clock: Total Time |
|:----------------------------------:|:-----------------------: |
| 6 | 45 minutes |

## :salt: Ingredients

- :chestnut: 0.5 cup pine nuts
- :olive: 0.75 cup olive oil, divided
- :herb: 4 oz basil stems
- :salt: 2.25 tsp salt, divided
- :cheese_wedge: 1.25 oz Parmesan
- :garlic: 2 cloves garlic

## :cooking: Cookware

- 1 8-inch skillet
- 1 dish towel
- 1 salad spinner
- 1 medium bowl

## :pencil: Instructions

### Step 1

Combine pine nuts and 1 tablespoon olive oil in 8-inch skillet. Cook over medium heat, stirring often, until pine nuts
are light golden, 3 to 6 minutes. Spread pine nuts out on plate and let cool for 15 minutes.

### Step 2

Meanwhile, bring 2 quarts water to boil in medium saucepan. Remove and discard basil stems from leaves (you should have
4 cups leaves [3 ounces by weight]). Add basil leaves and 1.5 teaspoons salt to boiling water and cook until basil is
wilted and bright green, 5 to 10 seconds. Using spider skimmer or slotted spoon, transfer basil directly to salad
spinner and spin to remove excess water. Spread basil on clean dish towel to dry. (If you don't have a salad spinner,
drain basil on clean dish towel and thoroughly pat dry with paper towels.)

### Step 3

Process Parmesan in food processor until finely ground, about 30 seconds; transfer to medium bowl. Process garlic, pine
nuts, basil, 3/4 tsp salt, and remaining oil (11 Tbsp) in now-empty processor until smooth, about 1 minute, scraping
down sides of bowl as needed. Transfer pesto to bowl with Parmesan and stir to combine. Serve.

### Step 4

TO MAKE AHEAD: Place pesto in sealable 1-pint container and cover with additional 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil.
Refrigerate for up to 2 days or freeze for up to 1 month.

## :link: Source

- Cook's Illustrated