Basil Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto
15 MINS. 3 cups: approximately 12 servings
This recipe adds a little punch to the classic basil pesto. It also tastes great as a substitute for tomato sauce on a pizza.
Gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan
Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh basil leaves (with stems)
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, soaked in warm water for 30 minutes (or use sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil to save time)
- 1/2 cup raw pumpkin seeds
- 1 cup parsley (with stems)
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1/2 cup nutritional yeast
Directions
Place pumpkin seeds on a parchment-lined cookie sheet and bake at 375 for 6-plus minutes, turning once. (You want them just slightly toasted.)
Wash and pat dry the basil and parsley.
Drain the sun-dried tomatoes (rinse and drain if you're using the oil-packed kind).
Add pumpkin seeds, sun-dried tomatoes, basil and parsley to food processor; pulse until coarsely chopped. Add garlic, lemon juice, nutritional yeast and continue to pulse, drizzling in olive oil. You're done - it's that easy!
Fun Fact:
Dicing up the classic pesto is so fun, and gives it that little twist that makes if feel new! You can add the nut of your choice, or take out the parsley add some spinach instead (just remember to keep the stems, as they're packed with nutrients). If you like it spicy, then seed, chop and add to the food processor the hot pepper of your choice. Switching up your pestos with a variety of nuts, seeds, greens and peppers not only gives you a range of different nutrients, it also keeps your plates looking different so your kids (and you) won't ever get tired of this incredibly healthy staple.
From my table to yours - enjoy!
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