Are you ready to elevate your culinary game with a burst of fresh flavor? This Vegan Basil Almond Pesto is not just another sauce—it's a vibrant, nutty delight that will transform your meals into gourmet experiences! In just 10 minutes, you can whip up this Italian classic that’s perfect for pasta, sandwiches, or even as a dip for veggies. Say goodbye to store-bought sauces and hello to a homemade masterpiece that’s packed with nutrients and bursting with taste. Dive into this recipe and discover how easy it is to make your own delicious pesto!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 10 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 1 cup
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves
- 1/2 cup almonds
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 2 cups of fresh basil leaves, 1/2 cup of almonds, 2 cloves of garlic, 1/2 cup of olive oil, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, and 2 tablespoons of nutritional yeast.
- Wash the fresh basil leaves thoroughly under cold running water to remove any dirt or impurities. Gently pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels.
- In a dry skillet over medium heat, lightly toast the almonds for about 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently until they are golden and fragrant. Be careful not to burn them. This step is optional but enhances the flavor of the pesto.
- Peel the garlic cloves and roughly chop them to make blending easier.
- In a food processor or high-speed blender, combine the fresh basil leaves, toasted almonds, chopped garlic, nutritional yeast, and salt.
- With the food processor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil. Continue blending until the mixture reaches your desired consistency. If you prefer a chunkier pesto, blend for a shorter time; for a smoother pesto, blend longer.
- Scrape down the sides of the food processor as needed to ensure all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Taste the pesto and adjust the seasoning if necessary, adding more salt or nutritional yeast according to your preference.
- Once the pesto is blended to your liking, transfer it to a clean jar or container. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to a week or freeze it for longer storage.
- Enjoy your Vegan Basil Almond Pesto as a sauce for pasta, a spread on sandwiches, or a dip for fresh vegetables!
Tips
- Choose Fresh Basil: The key to a flavorful pesto is using fresh basil leaves. Look for vibrant green leaves that are free from blemishes for the best taste.
- Toast the Almonds: While toasting the almonds is optional, it significantly enhances the flavor of your pesto. Keep an eye on them as they can burn quickly!
- Adjust Consistency: If you prefer a chunkier pesto, blend for a shorter time. For a smoother texture, blend longer and consider adding a bit more olive oil.
- Taste as You Go: Don’t hesitate to taste your pesto during the blending process. Adjust the salt and nutritional yeast according to your personal preference to get the perfect balance.
- Storage Tips: Store your Vegan Basil Almond Pesto in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze it in ice cube trays and transfer the frozen cubes to a zip-top bag for easy use later.
- Versatile Uses: This pesto isn’t just for pasta! Use it as a spread on sandwiches, a dip for fresh veggies, or drizzle it over roasted vegetables for an extra flavor kick.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 270kcal
Carbohydrates: 5g
Protein: 7g
Fat: 26g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
