Basil Pesto

Bold-flavored pesto sauce is arguably the most celebrated use for basil. Here’s a basic formula.

Serves: about 6 (about 1 cup, enough for 10 to 12 ounces of pasta)

• 1 cup firmly packed basil leaves
• 1/4 cup walnuts or toasted pine nuts
• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan-style non-dairy cheese
• Juice of 1/2 lemon
• 1 to 2 cloves garlic, optional (see note)
• Hot or warm cooked pasta
• Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

Combine all of the ingredients in a food processor. Process until the mixture is a rough but evenly textured paste.  Toss the pesto with pasta, season with salt and pepper, and serve.

Note: If you like garlicky pesto, but not the aftertaste of garlic, you can sauté the pesto in a little of the olive oil beforehand.

• Here are lots more recipes for simple sauces and such.