Green Goddess Pesto

Pesto is the love of my life. I could eat it all day, every day. Other than pasta, I also sneak it into sandwiches, grilled cheese, toasts, omelette, as a dip for chips/veggies, as a chutney of sorts for parathas or just eat it as is whenever I open the bottle.

It’s one of those things I make in batches since it comes super handy on rushed weekday mornings or when I want to whip up a quick dinner.

I love making pesto at home because honestly, it’s super simple and tastes so much better this way and gives me a sense of satisfaction which store bought ones don’t. I actually don’t even remember the last time I bought pesto.

Anyway, I love experimenting with different types of greens while making pesto and this particular one is a favorite at home. I have made it one too many times but realized I never documented it anywhere.

So, without further ado, presenting to you this wonderful lemony pesto made with spinach, basil and coriander which I fondly call the green goddess pesto because of how vibrantly green it turns out every single time.

Here’s what you need:

1. 1 bunch baby spinach leaves
2. 1/2 a bunch of coriander
3. 1 bunch of fresh basil leaves
4. 2 cloves of garlic
5. 1/4 cup almonds/pine nuts or a mix of both. Walnuts work just as well
6. 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
7. Upto a 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
8. 1 tsp lemon zest
9. Juice of one lemon
10. Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Method:

1. Wash and dry the greens thoroughly.
2. Put ingredients 1-6 in a blender and blend together adding the olive oil gradually.
3. Once it reaches the consistency you want – coarse or smooth, however you like it, transfer to a clean, air-tight jar.
4. Add the lemon zest, lemon juice, salt and pepper and mix well.

Use it immediately or feel free to refrigerate up to ten days (if it lasts that long). The color may darken though.

This is a great way of making your kid(s) eat greens if they are fussy about them otherwise.

Sneak in some avocado and you will have a creamier, absolutely irresistible pesto.

Try and tell me how you like it, will you?

Also, never forget – Pesto is Besto. ❤