Basil Pumpkin Seed Pesto

Lifeforce with lively flavor, Basil Pumpkin Seed Pesto is a super easy nutritional powerhouse. You will enjoy it in just a few seconds – that’s how quick it is to make and savor with bread, pasta, or as a spread. Lovely olive oil not only enriches the flavor but also extends the pesto’s shelf life. You might even find that this basil pesto tastes better than authentic Pesto Genovese, with pumpkin seeds adding a uniquely delightful twist in place of pine nuts.

Using honey, lemon juice, and nutritional yeast imparts a tangy, parmesan-like taste. All you need is a robust food processor to crush the pumpkin seeds and basil leaves. Try this pesto as a dip for veggies, a spread on pancakes or crackers, or even as a topping for pizza and spaghetti. Store in the refrigerator for weeks. Enjoy!

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Basil Pumpkin Seed Pesto

Sauce – Fusion

By Dada Shivananada – Serves: 1 cup

Prep Time: 2 minutes – Cooking Time: N/A – Total Time: 2 minutes

Pumpkin seeds are packed with a wide variety of healthy nutrients, from magnesium and copper to protein and zinc. Basil is an anti-aging powerhouse rich in flavonoids that protect the body from free radicals, along with essential oils that inhibit pathogenic bacteria.

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 2 cups fresh basil leaves
• 1 cup pumpkin seeds (or walnuts, cashews, hemp, or pine nuts)
• 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast (provides a parmesan cheese flavor)
• 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (adds tangy sharpness)
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper, to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon unprocessed salt

Instructions

1

Add all ingredients to a food processor.

2

Process until smooth. This may take a few minutes.

3

Periodically stop to stir the mixture and process again until the desired smooth texture is reached.

Nutrition

• 1353.0 Calories
• 37.0g Carbohydrates
• 0.0mg Cholesterol
• 90.0g Fat
• 10.7g Fiber
• 48.0g Protein
• 1200.0mg Sodium
• 0.0g Trans fat