Ingredients:
2 large handfuls of basil leaves (about 2 cups loosely packed)
1/2 cup of pine nuts (toasted)
3/4 cup parmesan (grated)
1/2 cup good olive oil plus more for storing
3 garlic cloves
salt
optional: 1/4 tsp lemon zest, a pinch of red chili flakes
optional mix-in: 1lb of Italian sausage sauteed in 1 T butter and 1/4 cup white wine
Instructions:
All you need is a mortar and pestle. Smash the peeled garlic cloves with a pinch of salt. Toss in the toasted pine nuts and smash those, followed by your chopped basil leaves. Then slowly add in the olive oil and lastly fold in the parmesan cheese. Check for seasoning and add salt, pepper and if it sounds fun a pinch of red chili flakes. When the pasta is ready to toss with a generous ladle of pasta water to loosen the mixture.
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