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Pesto alla Genovese
Pound or pulse garlic, pine nuts, basil and salt. Beat in cheese, then oil until it is a thick paste, not a soup.
Questions about this dish
Answers taken from this dish's times, amounts, swaps and tips โ not a chatbot.
How long does Pesto alla Genovese take?
27 min all in โ 15 min prep, 12 min cook. That is the time on this recipe, not a guess.
How many does it serve?
The recipe is written for 3 plates. Scale the ingredient list on the page if you are cooking for a different number.
How hard is it?
Easy.
How spicy is it?
No chilli.
What allergens should I watch?
This recipe is labelled for Milk, Tree nuts, Wheat. Labels are informational โ check the packets in your kitchen. This is not medical advice.
Does it fit a diet?
The published recipe is labelled Vegetarian.
What does it cost to cook?
Weeknight budget โ about $8โ16 USD, as a grocery budget for this recipe, not a restaurant price.
What equipment do I need?
Saucepan, Mortar and pestle.
How much salt do I put in?
The recipe lists Salt at ยฝ tsp.
What can I use instead?
Pine nuts โ Walnuts or cashews. Liguria will notice. Your Tuesday will not mind.
Any tips from this recipe?
Walnuts stand in when pine nuts are a luxury. Different, still green. Cover leftover pesto with oil so it does not blacken.
Can I prepare this ahead?
Cover leftover pesto with oil so it does not blacken.
Can I use an air fryer?
This method is not written for an air fryer. The core technique on the page still applies.

