Dairy-Free Pesto

More people are lactose intolerant out there than they think! This recipe is a dedication to them. Classic pesto uses tons of Parmesan cheese, which is delicious. But, we can substitute nutritional yeast for the cheese which gives the familiar "umami" savory flavor. I think the basil is really the star anyway. The umami is second to the fresh basil flavor. If you don't have nutritional yeast, make it without it and it will still be great. Add just a little more salt for that savory flavor.

I hope you give this simple recipe a try. It can last almost over a week in the fridge if sealed air tight. It goes well in pasta, panini, or little appetizers like cherry tomatoes or toasts. My favorite is on a pizza. 

Ingredients

(Serves 2-4)

• 2 cups fresh basil, tightly packed
• 3 Tablespoons walnuts or pine nuts
• 1 sliver garlic, smaller than a clove (optional)
• 2 Tablespoons lemon juice
• 3-4 Tablespoons nutritional yeast
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 2-3 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 3-6 Tablespoons water

Directions:

Add all the ingredients together, except oil and water, in a blender or immersion blender container. Blend a little and keep blending as you stream in the oil. Add a little more oil or water until you get a smooth consistency. 

View this post on Instagram

4 Most Popular Green Sauces you Should Know— all have about 5 ingredients or less. With a simple blender or food processor you can make these sauces to marinate proteins or vegetables, serve as a dipping sauce or as a condiment to bring a brightness to your meal. Most are primarily herbs which are full of antioxidants and great nutrition! So, try a green sauce today. It’s also a great way to use herbs that might be on their way out- so don’t throw them out. . Simple recipes below. ✈️🌎⤵️ . —Salsa verde🇲🇽- boil chiles, tomatillos, piece of onion in a little water for a couple minutes and then blend. Add cilantro. Great for shrimp, fish and all tacos. . —Chimichurri 🇦🇷- chop up parsley, cilantro, garlic, olive oil and red wine vinegar. Mix together. Great for steak or grilled veg. . —Pesto🇮🇹- blend basil, pine or walnuts, cheese, garlic and olive oil. Great for pasta, chicken, veggies. . —Sauce verte🇫🇷- blend herbs like parsley, chervil, tarragon, garlic, and lemon juice then stir into mayo. Great for fried potatoes and grilled fish. . #simplecooking #cooking #cheflife #bluezoneskitchen #healthycooking #herbs #greensauce #chimichurri #salsaverde #pesto #sauceverte #keto #plantbased #eatclean #greensauce #pestopasta #quickrecipes #marinade #grilled #california #garden #socalliving #onlinecooking #glutenfree #glutenfreerecipes #simplecookingcookingshow

A post shared by Chef Joanna’s Kitchen (@chefjoannas) on May 3, 2020 at 10:29am PDT