Add the bell pepper, pine nuts, 1 packed cup of fresh basil, the parmesan, chili flakes, salt and lemon juice to a food processor. Peel the garlic and add to the food processor. You may add more or less chili as desired to suit your personal tastes.
Step 2
Pulse the mixture to combine. Continue to pulse until the ingredients are well broken down. You should have a coarse paste.
Step 3
With the motor of the food processor running on low, add the olive oil a little at a time. Continue to mix until you have reached your desired pesto consistency. Taste and adjust seasonings as desired, adding more salt or chili flakes as preferred. You may also add more oil for a thinner pesto.
Ingredients
Parmesan Freshly Shaved by Belgioioso – 2 tbsp
Extra Virgin Olive Oil – 2 tablespoon
Garlic – 1 clove
Basil, Fresh – 1 cup, whole pieces
Lemon Juice, Fresh – 1 tablespoon
Hot Chili Pepper, Dried, Without Seeds – ½ teaspoon
Salt, Sea Salt – ½ teaspoon
Red Bell Peppers, Sweet, Raw Or Blanched, Marinated In Oil Mixture – ½ medium – 2 1/2″ diameter x 2 3/4″