Lemon Basil Pesto with Brazil Nuts
INGREDIENTS
Basil Basil Pesto with Cashews and Brazil Nuts
4 oz fresh basil
1/2 c extra virgin olive oil
1/2 c brazil nuts (or pine, cashews, pecans or walnuts!)
2 cloves garlic
1/8 tsp salt
3 tbs nutritional yeast
1-2 tbs lemon juice
More salt and pepper to taste
METHOD
In a food processor blend the basil, nuts and garlic. You don’t need to pulverize it so much that it turns into a smooth paste, there should still be little nut bits.
Next add the olive oil, salt, a few cracks of pepper, ONE table spoon lemon juice and the nutritional yeast. Once combined, give it a taste and see if you want more lemon juice or salt.
If your pesto is a bit too thick, you can thin it out with a table spoon of filtered water.
Storage: Pesto can be stored in an air tight glass jar in the fridge. To prevent browning, add glug of olive oil on top - this helps prevent the oxidation that causes browning. Because this pesto is dairy free, it also freezes well, just leave 1/2” since it will expand once it freezes. If you want individual servings, you can freeze them in an ice cube tray, also with a drizzle of olive oil on top. Once frozen, pop them out and transfer to a storage container to prevent freezer burn.
NUTRITIONAL NOTES
Brazil Nuts: Brazil nuts are super nutrient dense little nuggets. They are high in antioxidants, vitamins and minerals, and shine when it comes to their selenium content. Selenium is a powerful antioxidant that fights oxidative stress and is cancer protective. It prevents cognitive decline, boosts the immune system, and is a key nutrient for thyroid health << which is why I fell in love with brazil nuts. Just 2 a day is enough to give my body a therapeutic dose.
Nutritional Yeast: What is it really? It’s not the same as baking yeast and has no leavening abilities, but it is a yeast. It’s grown on molasses, cane sugar or some other medium and when harvested and processed with heat, the yeast is deactivated so it’s not a live product. It has a cheesy nutty flavor, making it a great vegan option for cheesy dishes. It’s a nutritious food that is a good source of B vitamins and trace minerals. It also a complete protein, but we don’t typically eat enough for it to be significant (1 tbs = 2g)
Xo