Pesto is a great ingredient to use when you want to make a quick pasta dish. Ideal for lunch, pasta with pesto is great for people who lead a busy lifestyle.

To make 250ml you’ll need:

50g pine nuts (toasted in a frying pan)
large bunch of basil (just the leaves)
3 garlic cloves
50g Parmesan cheese (grated)
125ml olive oil (plus a little extra to seal)
salt and pepper

Put the pine nuts, basilc leaves, garlic and Parmesan in a processor and blend until you have a paste. While the motor is running, trickle the oil and allow it to mix. Once completely combined, add salt and pepper (however much you want) and you’re done.

To store, transfer to a jar and add a layer of olive oil to the surface before covering with a lid. This helps the pesto to keep fresh. You can store this for up to a week.