Spinach Basil Pesto
Spinach Basil Pesto. When the majority of us think of basil, we think of the most popular use of basil, pesto. Pesto is a traditional sauce used in Italian cultures and cuisines. Traditionally made in a mortar and pestle with a circular crushing motion with heaps of fresh basil, crushed pine nuts, grated parmesan cheese, olive oil, fresh garlic, and salt and pepper, and used with pasta dishes. There are actually several varieties of basil that are used in other cuisines such as: lemon, sweet, Thai, and holy basil used in Indian, Asian, and Thai cuisines. Basil is not only the main star in this pesto recipe, its flavors are highlighted with the combination of flavors from the other ingredients commonly and uncommonly used in pesto. The use of basil pesto doesnt stop at covering pasta, it can be used in many creative and unique ways, below I share several ideas and my favorite ways to use this pesto. How to use SPINACH BASIL PESTO Spread on toasted gluten free bread with it with fresh avocado and sea salt Spread on your favorite sandwich instead of mayonaise or other condiments Dipdollop for proteins fish, tofu, tempeh, chickpeas, eggs, fish, etc. Dip for your favorite vegetables raw carrots, zucchini, red peppers, roasted brussel sprouts, asparagus, etc. Combined with more olive oil and apple cider vinegar for a salad dressing Combined with your favorite hummus for a basil kick Dip for grapes, watermelon, melon fruits in general I know this sounds odd, but trust me the flavors marry so well Those are just some of my personal favorites and now you see how basil pesto can be full of variety maybe unexpected but thats the beauty of it, experiment away my friends Now, onto the next reason I love basil, the health benefits. You may be thinking, basil is just an herb, what health benefits Au contraire, basil is a powerful little herb with DNA protection, anti-bacterial properties, antimicrobial properties, rich in antioxidants, anti inflammatory benefits, diabetes, and cardiovascular health. The volatile oils and flavonoids are of particular interest with basil, especially with the anti-bacterial properties. Its been shown to help fight off bacterial infections caused from Escherichia coli O:157:H7, Yersinia enterocolitica, Listeria monocytogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, Shigella sonnei and Shigella flexneri, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The components found in basil help protect the structure of white blood cells and chromosomes from oxygen related damage and radiation.
Spinach Basil Pesto. When the majority of us think of basil, we think of the most popular use of basil, pesto. Pesto is a traditional sauce used in Italian cultures and cuisines. Traditionally made in a mortar and pestle with a circular crushing motion with heaps of fresh basil, crushed pine nuts, grated parmesan cheese, olive oil, fresh garlic, and salt and pepper, and used with pasta dishes. There are actually several varieties of basil that are used in other cuisines such as: lemon, sweet, Thai, and holy basil used in Indian, Asian, and Thai cuisines. Basil is not only the main star in this pesto recipe, its flavors are highlighted with the combination of flavors from the other ingredients commonly and uncommonly used in pesto. The use of basil pesto doesnt stop at covering pasta, it can be used in many creative and unique ways, below I share several ideas and my favorite ways to use this pesto. How to use SPINACH BASIL PESTO Spread on toasted gluten free bread with it with fresh avocado and sea salt Spread on your favorite sandwich instead of mayonaise or other condiments Dipdollop for proteins fish, tofu, tempeh, chickpeas, eggs, fish, etc. Dip for your favorite vegetables raw carrots, zucchini, red peppers, roasted brussel sprouts, asparagus, etc. Combined with more olive oil and apple cider vinegar for a salad dressing Combined with your favorite hummus for a basil kick Dip for grapes, watermelon, melon fruits in general I know this sounds odd, but trust me the flavors marry so well Those are just some of my personal favorites and now you see how basil pesto can be full of variety maybe unexpected but thats the beauty of it, experiment away my friends Now, onto the next reason I love basil, the health benefits. You may be thinking, basil is just an herb, what health benefits Au contraire, basil is a powerful little herb with DNA protection, anti-bacterial properties, antimicrobial properties, rich in antioxidants, anti inflammatory benefits, diabetes, and cardiovascular health. The volatile oils and flavonoids are of particular interest with basil, especially with the anti-bacterial properties. Its been shown to help fight off bacterial infections caused from Escherichia coli O:157:H7, Yersinia enterocolitica, Listeria monocytogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, Shigella sonnei and Shigella flexneri, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The components found in basil help protect the structure of white blood cells and chromosomes from oxygen related damage and radiation.
Step-by-step
- Simply combine all ingredients into a blender until thick and creamy.
- You may add additional olive oil to “thin” the sauce out.
- Always add olive oil to the very top layer and refrigerate to keep the pesto moist and fresh.
- This recipe will create a thick pesto.
My Love Affair with Spinach Basil Pesto: A Culinary Journey
As a busy professional woman, juggling work, family, and a social life can often leave little time for elaborate cooking. I crave delicious, healthy meals that are quick and easy to prepare. That's where my spinach basil pesto recipe comes in. It's not just a simple sauce; it's a versatile culinary chameleon that transforms ordinary meals into something extraordinary. The vibrant green color alone is enough to brighten any plate, but the taste? Oh, the taste! It's a burst of fresh, herbaceous flavor that's both comforting and exciting.
The beauty of this pesto lies in its adaptability. Forget the traditional pasta pairing; I use it as a spread on gluten-free toast with avocado, as a vibrant condiment in sandwiches (bye-bye, mayonnaise!), or as a delightful dip for roasted vegetables, chickpeas, or even—hear me out—watermelon! The sweetness of the melon surprisingly complements the savory pesto, creating an unexpected yet delightful flavor combination. I've even experimented with incorporating it into salad dressings and hummus, each time marveling at its transformative power. The possibilities are truly endless.
Beyond its culinary versatility, this pesto boasts a nutritional powerhouse of ingredients. The combination of spinach and basil provides a rich source of vitamins, antioxidants, and minerals, supporting overall health and well-being. I love knowing that I'm not just indulging in a delicious treat but also nourishing my body with wholesome ingredients. This pesto is a testament to the fact that healthy eating doesn't have to be boring; it can be vibrant, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying.
Creating this pesto is a meditative process for me. The whirring of the blender as the ingredients combine is a calming soundtrack to my evening routine. The simple act of blending fresh herbs, nuts, and flavorful oils is a small act of self-care, a moment of mindfulness in the midst of a busy day. The end result is more than just a sauce; it’s a celebration of fresh flavors and healthy eating, a quick escape from the demands of daily life, and a reminder to savor the simple things.
This pesto isn't just a recipe; it's a lifestyle. It's about finding joy in simple, wholesome foods, and about the creativity that comes from experimenting with flavors and textures. Whether I'm entertaining guests or enjoying a quiet dinner for one, this spinach basil pesto always elevates the experience. It’s a testament to the fact that even the simplest ingredients, when combined with passion and a little creativity, can create culinary magic. So go ahead, experiment, and discover your own favorite ways to enjoy this versatile and delicious pesto.
I encourage you to try it. Let your taste buds be your guide. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different combinations. Add a touch of chili flakes for a spicy kick, or swap out the walnuts for almonds or pistachios. The possibilities are as endless as your imagination. And most importantly, enjoy the process—the blending, the tasting, the creating. It's in these moments of culinary creativity that we truly connect with our food, our bodies, and ourselves.
