Pesto and Its Wholesome Wonders! 🌿

Pesto, that vibrant green sauce originating from Italy, has become more than just a culinary delight. Beyond its rich and savory taste, pesto offers a plethora of health benefits, making it a must-have in your repertoire of nutritious recipes.

1. A Burst of Nutrients: At the heart of pesto's nutritional prowess lies its main ingredient – fresh herbs, usually basil. Packed with essential vitamins and minerals, basil contributes to your daily nutrient intake. It's a potent source of vitamin K, vitamin A, manganese, and antioxidants, which play a crucial role in supporting overall health.

2. Healthy Fats Galore: Traditionally made with olive oil and nuts or seeds, pesto is a treasure trove of healthy fats. Olive oil, a staple in Mediterranean diets, is rich in monounsaturated fats, known for their heart-protective benefits. Nuts and seeds, like pine nuts or hemp seeds, provide an extra dose of omega-3 fatty acids, promoting brain health and reducing inflammation.

3. Immune-Boosting Garlic: The garlic in pesto isn't just for flavor; it's a powerful immune booster. Garlic contains allicin, a compound with antimicrobial properties that can help fend off common illnesses. Incorporating pesto into your meals adds a delicious and immune-strengthening component to your diet.

4. Versatile and Flavorful: One of the key advantages of pesto is its versatility. From the traditional basil and pine nut combo to creative variations like arugula and hemp seed pesto, the possibilities are endless. This adaptability allows you to tailor your pesto to your taste preferences while reaping the nutritional benefits of different herbs and nuts or seeds.

5. Quick and Convenient: In our fast-paced lives, convenience matters. Pesto is a culinary superhero, ready to save the day with its quick preparation. A dollop of pesto can transform a simple dish into a gourmet delight, ensuring that you savor the flavors of a wholesome meal even on the busiest days.

How To Make Pesto Three Ways

Learn how to whip up pesto in three delectable ways – Traditional, Arugula, and Walnut. These recipes promise a burst of flavor, whether you're a pesto aficionado or a novice in the kitchen.

Traditional Pesto with Pine Nuts:

Ingredients:
1/2 lemon, Juiced and Zested
2 cups basil, packed
1/4 cup pine nuts
1 clove garlic, Chopped
2 oz parmesan-style vegan cheese, grated
3 Tbs olive oil
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste

Directions:
1. Zest and juice lemon.
2, In a food processor, combine basil, pine nuts, garlic, lemon zest and juice, and parmesan cheese. Pulse to roughly combine.
3. With the motor running, slowly pour in 3 tablespoons of olive oil. Process until smooth, about 10-15 seconds, wiping down the sides as needed.
4. Season with salt and pepper.

Notes: Simple swaps: pine nuts >> pumpkin or hemp seeds, cheese >> nutritional yeast

Download Traditional Pesto.pdf

Arugula Pesto with Hemp Seeds:

Ingredients:
2 cups arugula, packed
2 cups basil, packed
1/2 cup olive oil (or avocado oil)
2 cloves garlic, chopped
1/3 cup hemp hearts
1 lemon, juiced (2 Tbs juice)
2 Tbs parmesan cheese, grated (or nutritional yeast) optional

Directions:
1. Chop garlic.
2. Add all ingredients to a food processor and process until creamy, stopping occasionally to wipe down the sides.

Download Arugula Pesto.pdf

Walnut Pesto with Kale:

Ingredients:
1/2 cup raw walnuts
1/2 tsp salt
2 cups kale
1/2 cup fresh basil
2 cloves garlic, peeled and rough chop
3 Tbs nutritional yeast
2 Tbs olive oil
1 lemon, zested and squeezed (for 1 teaspoon of zest and 1 teaspoon of juice)
1/4 cup water
Salt, to taste

Directions:
1. Cover walnuts in warm water and add ½ teaspoon salt. Soak nuts for 4 hrs.
2. Juice and zest lemons.
3. Peel and chop garlic.
4. Add soaked walnuts and the remaining pesto ingredients to the blender and blend until creamy.

Download Walnut Pesto.pdf

Pesto isn't just a sauce; it's a culinary ally in your quest for healthier eating. Embrace the green elixir, experiment with various ingredients, and elevate your meals while nourishing your body. Find joy in the simplicity of pesto and relish the journey to a healthier, more flavorful lifestyle.

Explore the art of pesto creation with these three enticing recipes.