Ingredients and Weight:
- 2 cups basil leaves
- 1 cup vegan-friendly pine nuts or walnuts
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast (optional)
- 8 slices whole-wheat bread or pasta
Preparation Time:
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Difficulty Level: Level 3 (Moderate)
Preparation Method Steps:
- In a blender or food processor, combine basil leaves, pine nuts or walnuts, and garlic. Pulse until coarsely ground.
- Add olive oil and water, and process until the mixture forms a paste.
- Stir in salt, lemon juice, and nutritional yeast (if using). Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Spread the pesto onto whole-wheat bread or cook pasta according to package instructions.
- Top with the pesto and serve immediately.
Nutritional Information: (Per serving, assuming 8 servings total)
- Calories: Approx. 300 calories per serving (depending on the amount of oil used)
- Fat: Approx. 20g
- Carbohydrates: Approx. 25g
- Protein: Approx. 6g
Dish Characteristics:
- Vegan-friendly
- Rich in flavor and aroma from the combination of basil, nuts, and garlic
- Can be served as a spread on bread or as a sauce for pasta dishes
- Good source of healthy fats and fiber from the use of olive oil and whole-wheat bread/pasta
User Comments:
- "This pesto is so delicious! The combination of flavors is perfect."
- "I love how easy it is to make this pesto at home. It tastes fresh and homemade."
- "Great for vegan-friendly meals. The nutritional yeast gives it a nice, cheesy flavor."
Special Precautions and Tips:
- Adjust the amount of olive oil and lemon juice according to your desired taste.
- For a smoother pesto, use a blender instead of a food processor.
- Store any leftover pesto in the refrigerator for up to a week or freeze for longer storage.
