Pesto: alternative to pine nuts?

[jojo2910]

I have loads of basil that I was going to use to make pesto. However, I don't have any pine nuts and the ones I have found seem really expensive. Any suggestions for alternatives?

Ta

[Glutton4...]

Peanuts? Just scoffed a handful myself, that's why I thought about them. I guess many other nuts would suffice too.

[northepaul]

They are a bit pricey this year arent they?
I have made a different pesto with walnuts before, so it would probably work with basil, it will just have a slightly different flavour - hope that helps

[Jeanied]

Yes I nearly fell over when I saw the price of pine nuts! £7 for a bag! You can make pesto with any nuts - walnuts and hazelnuts are the ones I have seen the telly chefs use. I reckon slighly toasted almonds would be nice too.

[jojo2910]

Do you think pecans will do? I have some of them. I also have some almonds, so will try them. I'll leave peanuts as its the one nut I don't like, but thank you for the suggestion.

[Rhona]

I've used sunflower seeds, when there was nothing else around. Tasted fine, not quite as nice as pine nuts, but perfectly fine. Other nuts will work well, but pecans might have a stronger taste. I've used an almond/sunflower seed 50/50 mix before - nice, and pretty close to a 'normal' pesto really.

[Jeanied]

To be honest the important bits of a pesto are the basil and oil and cheese! The nuts add depth. Maybe an excuse to use a drop of retsina/ ouzo!

[Newton]

How do you store it?

[dave_norm_smith]

In the fridge. When you have taken what you need, just add a bit more oil to the top of the jar to keep the air out.

[Flummery]

I'd use walnuts. Especially useful when the local council have walnut trees planted in clumps here and there and no-one seems to collect them but us!