Fresh Basil Pesto Pasta

Pesto is a popular condiment, especially in warmer months when fresh basil tends to be more readily available. It has strong smell which many recognize as coming from the star ingredient, basil. Basil contains phytochemicals which help to protect cells against cancer, and anti-oxidants that fight off free radicals. The plant also contains compounds that can relieve depression and anxiety. Nuts contain omega-3 fatty acids which can increase good cholesterol, lower risk for heart disease and aid in brain function. Parmesan cheese contains vitamin D which is beneficial to bones and teeth, also vitamin A for eye health and multiple B vitamins. You can leave out nuts or cheese, if needed due to dietary restrictions.

Serves: 4 (1 cup)
Cooking Time: Preparation Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients

2 cups packed fresh organic basil leaves
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup high quality organic olive oil – pure
1/3 cup pine nuts, toasted
3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1/4 teaspoon salt, or more to taste
1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, or more to taste
Small amount of water

Directions

First, gently toast pine nuts in a pan for a few minutes, until you see color become golden with some brown.
Using a blender, mix basil, garlic and pine nuts, and a little bit of water, and blend the mixture together until it starts to form a paste.
Pour this mixture over the pasta, which has been freshly cooked in MEC.
Then, pour the oil over the pasta, sprinkle the parmesan cheese over it, and stir to blend the ingredients together.
Add sea salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste, and stir.
Then serve.

Serving suggestions: Serve this fresh and delicious condiment mixed with freshly cooked pasta, potatoes, or chicken, or spread on bread. Storage instructions: Store tightly in canning jar or cover with extra layer of oil and store in another container, taking care to keep basil unexposed to air which will blacken the leaves. Then store in refrigerator. Substitutions: Spinach can be subsituted for the basil, walnuts for pine nuts and Romano cheese for Parmesan, depending on what you have on hand!

Tags: Healthy cooking