Super-quick batch pesto

Making pesto is such an easy thing to do, you’ll wonder why you’ve never gotten into the habit of doing it from scratch before. The quantities I’ve given you here mean you can utilize whole packets of Parmesan and nuts, and the method is so simple anyone can do it. This is one of those incredible recipes where minimum effort gives you maximum flavour, every time. Break the Parmesan into a food processor (discarding the rind). Rip in the leafy basil, discarding only the tougher base of the stalks. Peel and add the garlic, and tip in the pine nuts and almonds. Finely grate in the lemon zest, squeeze in all the juice, and pour in the oil. Blitz until fairly fine in consistency. The fresh pesto will keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days, and it freezes brilliantly. The easiest thing to do is roll the pesto up in greaseproof paper to make a log, then scrunch the ends like a cracker. Pop into the freezer for 2 hours, then, before it gets too hard, remove, unwrap and slice into the appropriate number of portions. Re-shape, re-roll and re-wrap, then pop it back into the freezer – it’ll be good for at least 3 months. To use from frozen, simply defrost overnight in the fridge, or whack it straight into a pan to melt.