Are you tired of the same old pesto recipes? Craving something fresh, vibrant, and bursting with flavor? Then look no further! This Chilis Cilantro Pesto recipe is a delicious and healthy alternative to traditional basil pesto, offering a fiery kick and a bright, herbaceous aroma. Perfect for a quick dinner idea or as a flavorful addition to your favorite dishes, this easy recipe is guaranteed to become a staple in your homemade cooking repertoire. Let's get started!
Ingredients:
- 2 cups packed fresh cilantro leaves
- 1/2 cup roasted red peppers (jarred is fine!), drained
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast for vegan option)
- 1/4 cup pine nuts (or walnuts for a nuttier flavor)
- 2-4 jalapeños, seeded and roughly chopped (adjust to your spice preference!)
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Zest of 1 lime (optional, for extra zing!)
Instructions:
-
Roast the peppers (if using fresh): If you're using fresh red peppers, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Halve the peppers, remove the seeds and membranes, and place them cut-side down on a baking sheet. Roast for 20-25 minutes, or until the skin is blistered and charred. Let them cool slightly, then peel off the skin.
-
Combine ingredients: Add the cilantro, roasted red peppers, Parmesan cheese, pine nuts, jalapeños, garlic, and lime zest (if using) to a food processor.
-
Pulse until coarsely chopped: Pulse until the ingredients are roughly chopped but still retain some texture. Don't over-process, or you'll end up with a pesto that's too smooth.
-
Stream in olive oil: With the food processor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the pesto is well combined and reaches your desired consistency.
-
Season to taste: Add salt and pepper to taste. Start with a small amount and add more as needed.
Serving Suggestions & Variations:
This versatile pesto is fantastic on so many dishes! Slather it on grilled chicken or fish, toss it with pasta, spread it on sandwiches or wraps, or use it as a dip for vegetables. Here are some delicious variations:
- Creamy Pesto: Add a tablespoon or two of cream cheese or Greek yogurt for a richer, creamier pesto.
- Spicy Pesto: Add more jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra heat.
- Herby Pesto: Add a handful of fresh basil or parsley for a more complex flavor profile.
- Nut-Free Pesto: Replace the pine nuts with sunflower seeds for a delicious nut-free option.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the exact ingredients and serving size, but a typical serving of this Chilis Cilantro Pesto contains approximately:
- Calories: 150-200
- Fat: 15-20g
- Protein: 3-5g
- Carbohydrates: 5-7g
This Chilis Cilantro Pesto recipe provides a healthy and delicious way to enjoy a vibrant, flavorful, and easy-to-make pesto. It’s a quick dinner idea perfect for weeknights, and it's also incredibly versatile, allowing for endless culinary creativity. Enjoy!