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Vibrant Watercress Pesto
This vibrant and flavorful watercress pesto is a delightful twist on traditional pesto, bursting with the peppery essence of fresh watercress and basil. Originating from the Italian cuisine, pesto is traditionally made with basil, but this creative variation highlights the unique flavor profile of watercress, making it a fantastic addition to pasta dishes, sandwiches, or as a zesty dip. Its bright green color not only makes it visually appealing but also signifies the abundant nutrients packed within. Perfect for a refreshing summer meal or as an elegant appetizer!
Ingredients
- Watercress
- 2 cups, washed and trimmed
- Fresh basil leaves
- 1 cup, packed
- Pine nuts
- 1/2 cup, toasted
- Garlic
- 2 cloves, peeled
- Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup, grated
- Extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 cup
- Lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons, freshly squeezed
- Salt
- 1/2 teaspoon, or to taste
- Black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon, or to taste
Instructions
- In a food processor, combine the watercress, basil leaves, garlic, toasted pine nuts, grated Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper.
- Pulse the ingredients until they are well combined and form a thick paste, scraping down the sides of the bowl as necessary.
- With the food processor running, slowly drizzle in the extra virgin olive oil until the pesto reaches your desired consistency. For a thinner pesto, you can add more olive oil.
- Taste the pesto and adjust the seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or lemon juice if needed.
- Transfer the vibrant watercress pesto to a clean jar or airtight container. Store in the refrigerator until ready to use, where it will keep for up to a week.
- Serve this pesto as a spread on crusty bread, toss it with your favorite pasta, or use it as a flavorful sauce for grilled meats or roasted vegetables.
Tips
- For a nut-free version, you can substitute the pine nuts with sunflower seeds.
- To enhance the flavor, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick or swap the Parmesan for nutritional yeast for a vegan option.
- Feel free to experiment with other herbs like parsley or arugula for a unique twist.
Dietary Information
Servings: 4 Dish Type: Sauce/Dip Prep Time: 15 minutes Calories: 220 Fat: 20g Carbs: 5g Protein: 6g Sodium: 300mg Sugar: 1g
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