Discover a culinary adventure that blends the vibrant flavors of East and West with our "East Meets West Bok Choy Pesto with Cilantro and Black Sesame Seed." This unique twist on traditional pesto is not only quick to prepare—taking just 15 minutes—but it also packs a powerful punch of nutrition and taste. Imagine a luscious, green sauce that can elevate your pasta, sandwiches, or even grilled vegetables to new heights! Whether you're a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice, this delightful fusion recipe will inspire you to explore the endless possibilities of fresh ingredients. Ready to tantalize your taste buds? Let’s dive into the delicious world of bok choy pesto!
Ingredients
- 2 cups bok choy, chopped
- 1 cup fresh cilantro
- 1/4 cup black sesame seeds
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic
- Salt to taste
- 1/4 cup nutritional yeast (optional)
Instructions
- Thoroughly wash the bok choy and cilantro under cold running water, then pat dry completely with clean kitchen towels to remove excess moisture.
- Toast the black sesame seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent burning. Remove from heat and let cool for 5 minutes.
- Peel and roughly chop the garlic cloves. If using nutritional yeast, measure it out separately.
- In a food processor, add chopped bok choy, fresh cilantro, toasted black sesame seeds, peeled garlic, and salt to taste.
- Pulse the ingredients a few times to create a rough chop, then slowly drizzle olive oil through the feed tube while processing to create a smooth, consistent pesto texture.
- If using nutritional yeast, add it now and pulse briefly to incorporate, which will provide a subtle cheesy flavor and additional nutrition.
- Taste the pesto and adjust seasoning, adding more salt or olive oil as needed to achieve desired consistency and flavor balance.
- Transfer the pesto to a clean glass jar or container. If not serving immediately, cover and refrigerate. The pesto will keep for 3-5 days when stored properly.
Tips
- Ingredient Quality: Use fresh, organic bok choy and cilantro for the best flavor. The fresher the ingredients, the more vibrant your pesto will be!
- Toasting Seeds: Don’t skip toasting the black sesame seeds! This step enhances their nutty flavor and adds depth to your pesto.
- Adjusting Texture: If you prefer a thinner pesto, simply add more olive oil while processing until you reach your desired consistency.
- Serving Suggestions: This pesto is incredibly versatile! Try it as a sauce for pasta, a spread on sandwiches, or a dip for fresh veggies.
- Storage Tips: 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.
- Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to get creative! Add a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 5g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 17g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
