Hemp Seed Pesto Recipe: A Delicious and Nutritious Twist on a Classic Sauce
Pesto is a classic Italian sauce that has been enjoyed for centuries. Traditionally made with basil, pine nuts, garlic, parmesan cheese, and olive oil, pesto is a versatile sauce that can be used in pasta dishes, as a spread for sandwiches or wraps, or as a dip for veggies. However, if you’re looking to switch things up and add some extra nutrition to your meals, hemp seed pesto might just be the answer.
Hemp seeds are packed with protein and healthy fats like omega-3s and omega-6s. They also contain essential minerals like magnesium and zinc. When combined with fresh herbs like basil or parsley and other traditional pesto ingredients like garlic and olive oil, hemp seeds create a deliciously nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with pasta dishes or roasted vegetables.
To make hemp seed pesto at home, you’ll need:
– 1 cup of fresh basil leaves
– 1/2 cup of shelled hemp seeds
– 2 cloves of garlic
– 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese (optional)
– Juice from half a lemon
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 – 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
Begin by blending the basil leaves in a food processor until finely chopped. Add the hemp seeds along with the garlic cloves (and parmesan cheese if using) into the food processor bowl; pulse until well mixed together.
Add salt & pepper then slowly pour in the olive oil while pulsing continuously until it reaches your desired consistency. Finally squeeze in lemon juice before giving it one last blend.
Serve this tasty Hemp Seed Pesto recipe immediately over cooked pasta or alongside baked chicken breast topped off with diced tomatoes!
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