Are you ready to elevate your culinary game with a burst of fresh flavors? Dive into the world of Italian cuisine with this delightful Basil and Cashew Pesto recipe! In just 10 minutes, you can whip up a vibrant, nutty sauce that’s perfect for tossing with pasta, spreading on sandwiches, or even as a dip for your favorite veggies. With simple ingredients and an easy-to-follow method, this pesto will not only tantalize your taste buds but also impress your friends and family. Don’t miss out on this deliciously versatile recipe that’s bound to become a staple in your kitchen!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 10 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves
- 1/2 cup cashews
- 1/4 cup nutritional yeast
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 2 cups of fresh basil leaves, 1/2 cup of cashews, 1/4 cup of nutritional yeast, 2 cloves of garlic, 1/2 cup of olive oil, and salt to taste.
- Rinse the fresh basil leaves under cold water to remove any dirt or impurities. Gently pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towel.
- In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the cashews for about 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until they are golden brown and fragrant. Be careful not to burn them. Once toasted, remove them from the heat and let them cool for a minute.
- Peel the garlic cloves and roughly chop them to help them blend more easily.
- In a food processor, combine the fresh basil leaves, toasted cashews, nutritional yeast, and chopped garlic. Pulse a few times to break down the ingredients.
- While the food processor is running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the mixture becomes a smooth paste. You may need to stop and scrape down the sides of the bowl with a spatula to ensure everything is well combined.
- Once the pesto reaches your desired consistency, taste it and add salt as needed. Blend again briefly to incorporate the salt.
- Transfer the basil and cashew pesto to a clean jar or airtight container. It can be used immediately or stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- This pesto can be served over pasta, used as a spread on sandwiches, or as a dip for vegetables. Enjoy!
Tips
- Fresh Ingredients Matter: Use the freshest basil leaves you can find for the best flavor. If you can, opt for organic basil to enhance the taste of your pesto.
- Toast the Cashews: Toasting the cashews brings out their natural oils and enhances their flavor. Keep an eye on them while they toast, as they can burn quickly.
- Customize the Texture: If you prefer a chunkier pesto, pulse the mixture less in the food processor. For a creamier texture, blend longer until smooth.
- Storage Secrets: To keep your pesto fresh, store it in an airtight container and drizzle a thin layer of olive oil on top before sealing. This helps prevent oxidation and keeps the vibrant green color.
- Versatile Uses: Don’t just limit your pesto to pasta! Try it as a topping for grilled chicken, a flavor boost in soups, or even mixed into scrambled eggs for a delicious breakfast twist.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 358kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 0mg
