Toast the pine nuts or cashews in a small frying pan over low heat until lightly golden. Set aside.
Place the basil, parmesan cheese, garlic, salt and pepper into the Thermomix bowl. Mix for 5 seconds, Speed 6. Scrape down the sides and repeat for a further 5 seconds, Speed 6.
Add the pine nuts and chop using the Turbo function for 1 second.Scrape down the sides of the bowl and repeat for a further 1 second.
Turn the machine to Speed 1, and with the blades turning, very slowly add the olive oil through the MC hole on the lid.
Notes
RECIPE NOTES & TIPS
Mix & match - switch up the pine nuts with cashews for a yummy variation!
Use roasted/toasted nuts - for crunch and flavour, toast the pine nuts in a frying pan before using, or use roasted cashews.
For a chunkier pesto dip - use 50g-75 of olive oil.
For a smoother pesto that can be used as a pasta sauce - use 100g olive oil.
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
To avoid the pesto turning brown, add a very thin layer of olive oil to the top when storing.