Step 1

Tear the basil into smallish shreds

Step 2

Put the peeled garlic cloves in a pestle and mortar with the salt and crush until you have a paste.

Step 3

Add the basil leaves in batches, crushing with the pestle until all the leaves are well blended with the garlic and salt and you have a paste.

Step 4

Add the grated cheese and mix

Step 5

Now pour over a little olive oil and blend well, using the base of the pestle.

Step 6

Continue adding olive oil until you have a thick 'sauce' of the desired consistency

Step 7

Taste and add more salt if necessary and a little lemon juice if desired.