Are you craving the vibrant, fresh taste of pesto but need a nut-free alternative? Look no further! This Basil Pesto Sauce Recipe Without Nuts is a delicious and healthy twist on a classic, perfect for those with nut allergies or preferences. It's incredibly easy to make, using readily available ingredients, and is ready in minutes. This recipe is perfect for quick dinner ideas, adding a burst of flavour to your pasta, pizzas, sandwiches, or even as a vibrant dip for vegetables. Get ready to experience the joy of homemade cooking with this incredibly versatile and flavourful pesto!
Ingredients:
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves, packed
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast for vegan option)
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons pine nuts (optional, for those without nut allergies) – substitute sunflower seeds for a nut-free alternative
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions:
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Combine Ingredients: Add the basil leaves, Parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast), garlic, olive oil, pine nuts (or sunflower seeds), and lemon juice to a food processor.
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Blend: Process until smooth, scraping down the sides as needed. If using pine nuts, pulse until finely chopped, not completely smooth.
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Season: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Start with a small amount and adjust to your preference.
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Adjust Consistency: If the pesto is too thick, add a tablespoon or two of extra virgin olive oil until you reach your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, add a little more Parmesan cheese.
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Serve & Store: Serve immediately or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. A thin layer of olive oil on top will help prevent browning.
Cooking Tips for the Best Pesto:
- Fresh Basil is Key: The fresher your basil, the better your pesto will taste. Use organically grown basil whenever possible.
- Don't Over-Process: Over-processing can make the pesto bitter. Pulse until smooth, but don't blend it into a completely homogenous paste.
- Taste as You Go: Adjust the seasoning according to your preferences. Some prefer a more garlicky pesto, while others prefer a lighter flavour.
- Storage: For longer storage, freeze your pesto in ice cube trays. Once frozen, transfer the cubes to a freezer bag for easy portioning later.
Variations:
- Spicy Pesto: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Sun-dried Tomato Pesto: Incorporate 1/4 cup of sun-dried tomatoes for a deeper, richer flavor.
- Lemon-Basil Pesto: Increase the amount of lemon juice to enhance the citrus notes.
- Herb Pesto: Experiment with other herbs like parsley, mint, or cilantro.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 150-200 (depending on additions and ingredients)
- Fat: 15-20g
- Protein: 5-7g
- Carbohydrates: 5-7g
- Fiber: 2-3g
This nut-free basil pesto is a delicious and healthy addition to your culinary repertoire. Its vibrant green color and fresh flavour are sure to elevate any dish. Enjoy this easy recipe as a healthy meal option, a quick dinner idea, or a delicious addition to many dishes! This simple recipe is a perfect example of homemade cooking at its finest. Try it today and let us know what you think!