What is better than fresh basil?
While you are most likely familiar with sweet basil, there are variations like cinnamon basil (pictured), lemon basil and anise basil that taste just the way you would imagine.
So what can one do with basil besides use it as a pretty little topping? (although it does that job well)
…PESTO!
While ordering pesto out at restaurants can mean much too much oil and Parmesan cheese and therefore, calories- when you make it on your own you are in control and can make it as healthy as your little heart desires! And it is so, so ridiculously simple.
Here’s the recipe for healthy basic basil pesto.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups packed fresh basil leaves, (2-3 bunches)
- 1/4 cup pine nuts (or walnuts or almonds)
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons water
- 2 large cloves garlic (or more)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
- (optional: 1/8 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese- not necessary! Swear it!)
You can make a million alterations to this, like adding in spinach, cilantro, mint or parsley. Or lemon. Or here’s an idea for “Asian-style Pesto” with ginger. Why not pep up that pesto!
But simply throw the original over whole wheat pasta with cherry tomatoes (or really on anything and everything)? You’ve found the way to this girls heart…
