Thermomix Pesto Sauce is a zingy burst of flavour, perfect for adding a hit of deliciousness to so many different dishes. Use it as a spread on your favourite toasty, replace regular pizza sauce with this pesto variation or try it as a salad dressing.
Pesto is such a fresh flavour! I like to have basil growing in the garden so I have easy access to homemade pesto at all times. There is something so amazing about growing the basil and then making your own pesto to taste.
If you do grow basil you will know that one plant produces loads of basil! So making pesto is a great way to preserve basil when it's abundant. Just stock your fridge with jars of pesto sauce.
I have developed the recipe to use a whole bunch of basil. A bunch is a size you would normally buy in the supermarket. If you have a herb garden and want to double or even triple the recipe it is safe to do so. The Thermomix bowl will hold up to four times the quantity specified in this recipe.
My Favourite Uses for Thermomix Pesto Sauce
- Pesto Sauce makes a fabulous pizza sauce. Start with homemade pizza dough, and add this fresh zingy sauce. It's perfect with simple toppings such as mozzarella cheese or prosciutto.
- Add a special finishing touch to a risotto such as this Pesto Chicken Risotto, just add some extra toasted pine nuts.
- Use a salad dressing by thinning it with a little extra lemon.
- Toss pesto through a bowl of hot homemade pasta and top with extra parmesan cheese.
- Add to a cheese platter for a bright green spread.
- Use instead of butter when making your favourite toastie.
Food Processor Pesto Sauce
This recipe can easily be made in a food processor. Simply follow the steps;
- Place the parmesan cheese in a food processor, process until finely chopped and reserve.
- Add the remaining ingredients to the food processor and process until the desired texture is achieved.
- Add the processed pesto to the parmesan cheese and stir by hand to combine.
Frequently Ask Questions
Yes, you can replace pine nuts with pepita seeds, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, almonds or macadamia nuts. It really doesn't matter which nut or seed you use to add texture to the pesto. Substituting the pine nuts will change the flavour slightly but it makes a great variation.
You can substitute some of the basil for rocket or baby spinach. The flavour will be slightly altered but it will still be delicious.
Yes, you can. Keep the same proportions and increase the recipe 2, 3 or 4 times for larger batches.
The pesto can be stored in the fridge for a few weeks. Pour a thin layer of oil over the top of the pesto before sealing it. The oil will protect the pesto from oxidising and turning brown.
I prefer to use block cheese in my recipes because it has fewer preservatives than grated cheese. Grated cheese also contains anticaking agents which will change the taste and texture of the dish. Please consider using block cheese and use a Thermomix or food processor to chop it freshly.
You can substitute any hard, strong cheese for parmesan cheese. Examples of suitable replacement cheese are Romano, Pecorino, and Grana Padana.
Yes, to make pesto suitable for a vegan simply substitute the cheese for nutritional yeast. Stir through ¼ cup of nutritional yeast in place of the Parmesan cheese.
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Thermomix Pesto Sauce
Equipment
- 1 Thermomix or Food Processor
Ingredients
- 40 g parmesan block cheese
- 5 g garlic 1 large clove
- 35 g basil 1 bunch
- 25 g pinenuts
- 20 g lemon juice
- 75 g mild oil light olive oil, macadamia oil, vegetable oil, grapeseed oil
Instructions
- Place parmesan cheese in TM Bowl. Chop 7 sec/speed 9.40 g parmesan block cheese
- Reserve in a bowl for later.
- Add garlic. Chop 3 sec/Speed 9.5 g garlic
- Add basil, pinenuts, oil, and lemon. Chop 10 sec/Speed 7.35 g basil, 25 g pinenuts, 20 g lemon juice, 75 g mild oil
- Scrape down the bowl. Chop 15 sec/ Speed 7.
- Add the pesto to the reserved parmesan cheese.
- Stir to combine, use as desired.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
I hope you have enjoyed this story. Feel free to leave a comment or start a discussion. If you have made a dish from this site I would love to know what you thought!
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Thank you for stopping by,
Happy Cooking
j xx
Cassandra Graves says
Delicious. Will never buy store bought again 😉
Julie Carlyle says
Hi Cassandra 🥰
I am so pleased you enjoyed my pesto 🥰
Thank you so much for coming back and leaving your lovely message.
J xx
Karen Walkerville says
The pesto tastes incredible, great recipe!
Julie Carlyle says
Hi Karen!
Thank you so much for your rating and lovely comment. I am so pleased you liked the recipe.
Julie xx
Chris Wenzel says
So tasty and tangy, great recipe
Alex Schwartz says
Made this last night and it was divine! Never buying store bought pesto again
Lyndall Smythe says
Love this!!! Can definitely recommend!!!
Joy Hollis says
Why have I not made pesto before?! This is amazing!! Thank U!!
Nicki Archer says
Thank you for sharing this recipe! It was the best!
Kylie Oliver says
This is the best pesto I have tasted, everyone loved it
Julie Carlyle says
Hi Kylie
Thank you so much for leaving a comment. I’m so pleased you enjoyed the recipe.
Julie
Anna Delvene says
The pesto was amazing on pizza! Such a great alternative!
Anna Craft says
This is so good! Thank you 😃
Julie Carlyle says
Hi Anna
I’m so pleased you enjoyed my pesto.
Happy cooking
Julie