Basil Pesto

Food Service Version

Yield

6 cups; 100  1 Tbsp taste test servings

Ingredients

30 cups loosely packed basil leaves
½ head of garlic, peeled
2-3 cups olive oil—start with 2 cups and add remaining oil, as needed
1 ¼ cups grated hard cheese, such as cheddar or parmesan
salt and pepper, to taste

Directions

1. Combine all ingredients in a food processor and process until finely chopped.
2. If desired, add hot water to the mixture to thin it out.
3. If desired, add chickpeas to thicken the mixture/incorporate protein.

Home Version

Yield

1 cup

Ingredients

5 cups loosely packed basil leaves
2 cloves of garlic, peeled
5 Tbsp. olive oil
¼ cup grated hard cheese, such as cheddar or parmesan
salt, to taste
optional: the zest of one lemon

Directions

1. Combine all ingredients in a food processor and process until finely chopped.
2. If desired, add hot water to the mixture to thin it out.
3. If desired, add chickpeas to thicken the mixture/incorporate protein.



Source: Weston Nicoll, Chef-Owner of Café Shelburne