Thoroughly wash the basil leaves.
Add the basil leaves, garlic, peppercorns and a pinch of sugar to a blender/food processor and blend adding a little water at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
Mix in the nutritional yeast, lemon juice and salt and process very briefly, just long enough to combine. The lemon juice enhances the color of the pesto and gives it that fresh green color that everyone loves!
You can use the pesto right away or freeze it for up to 6 months.