I really should just call this “whatever the hell was in my fridge” pesto… because that is what it really is. Pine nuts are expensive, man. I kind of just threw in what I had and hoped that it would work… aka walnuts and almonds and green stuff. Hey, it ended up working well! So well that I would love to share it with ya.
Oh, and before I do. I just want to say… HAPPY BIRTHDAY JOE!! He’s the best, so just had to shout it out ;) Okay, moving on…
The Recipe
You will need
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves (mine were frozen… still worked!)
- 1/2 cup fresh spinach
- 1/3 cup walnuts
- 1/2 cup raw almonds
- 3 tbs olive oil
- 2 garlic gloves
- Salt, to taste
- Water, as needed (about 1/4 cup)
- Elbow pasta
To make:
Throw it all in the food processor/Magic Bullet and you are good to go. I tasted as I went, especially for seasoning. Boil elbow pasta as you normally would, and mix it up. Yum!!
I’m so glad the walnuts and almonds worked well together. Initially, I was all about the walnuts, but oops… overestimated how much I had. Almonds to the rescue! What’s your favorite type of nut to use in pesto? xx Bianca
I like the pine nuts. Agreed, they are expensive :) You might also like adding a bit of nutritional yeast to give some cheesiness. Check out the basil cashew”cheez” from this recipe: http://ohsheglows.com/2011/11/07/vegan-lasagna-with-basil-cashew-cheeze/. Cheers!
Thanks for the recipe idea, Lisa! Truth be told, I cannot get down with nutritional yeast… I am trying to like it!! So far, cannot acquire a taste. Maybe eventually!! <3
Great idea to eliminate the pine nuts – making your own pesto shouldn’t cost an entire paycheck haha. As long as it has basil you’re good to go :)
Thanks, Lauren! I totally agree with you – While I looove pine nuts, cannot always afford them!!
I love making homemade pesto! Looks delicious! Like the walnuts idea! I bet some tahini would be yummy in it too with some nutritional yeast…just a tad gives it that same taste of oarmesan in the end pr
Ooh, I love the sound of tahini!! I need to try that asap! Thanks for the comment and suggestions :-D
Oops hit return too soon from my phone! Anyways I like how you can’t technically taste nutritional yeast in the end product, but it gives it that same depth of flavor as Parmesan. Or also lemon juice I love to add to pestos, really brightens up the flavors! Such a great idea to use walnuts, I’ll try that next time!
I love to use sliced almonds in my pesto… so much cheaper and just as delicious!
I agree with you, love! It’s fun to experiment :-D
[…] now for the real reason why I made Green Machine Pesto… this pizza! The pasta was just a bonus for the leftovers, but this pizza is absolutely […]