A simple and tasty Thermomix Pesto recipe made using fresh basil, parmesan cheese, garlic, olive oil and pine nuts.
Ready in just 5 minutes, this pesto makes a delicious dip served with crackers, a healthy sauce for your favourite pasta dinner or pasta salad, or a yummy addition to baked chicken or salmon.
Once you've made your own homemade pesto, and taste the difference, you'll NEVER be able to go back to store-bought again!
The BIG, fresh flavours are perfect for serving at a party with a cheese board, or as a sauce to your favourite pesto pasta for dinner, with chicken or salmon, stirred through any pasta salad recipe at a BBQ, or simply on it's own with veggie sticks (a favourite with the kids!)
Why You're Going To Love This Thermomix Recipe
Everyone's favourite basil pesto recipe couldn't possibly be any easier to make using the Thermomix!
- 5 ingredients - this flavoursome classic Thermomix pesto recipe is made using fresh basil leaves, pine nuts, parmesan cheese, garlic and olive oil. The classic flavours of Italy!
- Multiple ways to use - you can serve this simple pesto on a cheese board with crackers, stir it through your favourite pasta dinner or pasta salad, add it to baked chicken or salmon... however you like!
- Packed full of flavour - thanks to the intensity of fresh basil, this tasty Thermomix pesto is absolutely FULL of big, fresh flavours.
- Freezer-friendly - make it ahead of time and store in the fridge (see tips below) for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Such a handy condiment to have on hand and ready to go whenever you need!
- Easy substitutions - feel free to substitute the fresh basil for rocket, kale or spinach and the pine nuts for cashews, almonds or walnuts. So many delicious combinations!
What You Need
Just 5 ingredients are needed to make the ULTIMATE Thermomix Basil Pesto!
Note: Scroll to the recipe card at the bottom for the ingredients quantities and full detailed method.
- Basil - choose fresh basil leaves - dried basil will NOT work in this recipe! Alternatively, you could substitute the fresh basil for rocket, kale or spinach.
- Pine nuts - these give the pesto its classic nutty flavour. Alternatively, you can substitute the pine nuts with cashews, almonds or walnuts if you wish.
- Garlic - choose fresh garlic cloves or a store-bought minced garlic.
- Parmesan cheese - this flavour packed cheese gives the perfect bite to my Thermomix pesto recipe. It's so quick and easy to grate in the Thermomix and much more economical to buy in a block.
- Olive oil - choose a good quality extra virgin olive oil.
- Salt & pepper - season to your taste.
Equipment Required
To make this pesto recipe you'll need a Thermomix machine (alternatively you can use a regular food processor or any other thermal cooking machine).
This recipe is suitable for use in all of the Thermomix machine models.
Step By Step Thermomix Instructions
Just 2 simple steps are needed to make this healthy Thermomix basil pesto!
Note: Scroll to the recipe card at the bottom for the ingredients quantities and full detailed method.
Step 1 - Grate The Parmesan
Place the parmesan cheese into the Thermomix bowl and mix until finely grated.
Step 2 - Add The Remaining Ingredients
Add the fresh basil leaves, garlic, pine nuts and olive oil.
Season with salt and pepper.
Mix until the pesto is completely combined and no large chunks remain.
Tips For Making Pesto In A Thermomix
The Thermomix makes preparing pesto an absolute breeze!
- Grate the parmesan first - this allows the parmesan to be finely grated while the pine nuts still have the classic pesto texture.
- Use a whole garlic clove or pre-minced garlic - because the blades of the Thermomix are so sharp, you can place a whole garlic clove directly into the bowl and it will finely mince it. Alternatively, you can use pre-minced garlic from the supermarket.
- Scrape down the sides of the bowl - partway through mixing, scape down the sides of the bowl. This ensures that all of the ingredients combine evenly.
- Place the MC (measuring cup) on top before mixing - this stops any splatters!
FAQ's
All your Thermomix pesto questions answered!
Absolutely! Pesto is packed full of Vitamins A and C, as well as calcium and iron. It contains healthy fats from the nuts and olive oil. As well, basil leaves are thought to be good for digestion, and the anti-inflammatory properties of basil can help lower risk of heart disease, rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory bowel conditions.
It has a fresh herby flavour from the basil, combined with the flavoursome parmesan cheese, the nuttiness from the pine nuts, along with a garlicky hint. Choose a good quality olive oil for the best tasting pesto.
Yes! You can substitute the pine nuts with walnuts, cashews or almonds if you prefer.
Rocket, kale or baby spinach all make great options in pesto!
Expert Tips
- How to avoid the pesto turning brown - the pesto will turn brown when exposed to air. Therefore store pesto in a completely airtight container in the fridge. If your container is not airtight, add a thin layer of olive oil over the top of the pesto when storing in the fridge.
- Storing - store the pesto in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing - you can freeze Thermomix pesto for up to 3 months in an airtight container.
- Equipment - if you don't have a Thermomix, you can make this pesto using a food processor.
More Thermomix Recipes
Put your Thermomix to work making these delicious sauces and condiments!
Thermomix Pesto
Ingredients
- 40 g parmesan cheese
- 45 g pine nuts
- 60 g fresh basil leaves
- salt and pepper to season
- 1 garlic clove fresh, or 1 tsp minced garlic
- 90 g olive oil
Instructions
- Place the parmesan cheese into the Thermomix bowl. Mix for 10 seconds, Speed 10.
- Add the pine nuts, fresh basil leaves, salt and pepper, garlic and olive oil. Mix for 10 seconds, Speed 7. Scrape down the sides of the bowl and repeat for a further 10 seconds.
- Use immediately or store in the fridge in an airtight container.
Notes
- Substitutions - you can substitute the pine nuts with walnuts, cashews or almonds. Rocket, kale or baby spinach are all great options in place of the fresh basil too.
- To avoid the pesto turning brown - the pesto will turn brown when exposed to air. Store in a completely airtight container in the fridge. If your container is not airtight, add a thin layer of olive oil over the top of the pesto when storing in the fridge.
- Storing - store the pesto in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing - you can freeze Thermomix pesto for up to 3 months in an airtight container.
- Equipment - if you don't have a Thermomix, you can make this pesto using a food processor.
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