Easy Homemade Spinach Pesto
Pesto is a classic Italian sauce originating from Genoa in the Liguria region of Italy. Traditionally, it consists of fresh basil leaves, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and extra-virgin olive oil, all blended into a smooth paste. The word "pesto" is derived from the Italian verb "pestare," which means to pound or crush, reflecting the traditional method of making the sauce by grinding the ingredients in a mortar and pestle.
Pesto has gone many variations over the years which makes it a great sauce to experiment with. I’ve experimented with many different ingredients to offer new twists on this classic sauce. One such variation that is an absolute must to try is the spinach pesto— not only delicious as a pasta sauce but also extra nutritious and a great sauce to make kids eat vegetables.
The Green Goddess: Spinach
Spinach, with its tender leaves and mild flavor, is the star ingredient in this pesto. Renowned for its nutritional value, spinach is packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, making it a wholesome addition to any meal.
Versatility on the Plate
This pesto can be used in many ways to add more flavor to dishes. Tossed with cooked pasta, this spinach pesto creates a vibrant and nutritious pasta sauce that is both satisfying and healthy. It can also be used as a spread on sandwiches or wraps, drizzled over grilled vegetables, or used as a dip for crudites.
Health Benefits
As already mentioned, the spinach in this pesto is rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as folate, iron, and calcium, making it a nutritional powerhouse. Olive oil provides heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, while nuts contribute protein, fiber, and essential nutrients.
Tasting while preparing
When making pesto it’s all about tasting and adding a bit of what flavor you like most to create your perfect pesto. The advice is to not use too much of all the ingredients and just add more along the way. As already mentioned pesto is perfect for experiments. If you have some kale left or rocket salad, add it to see how it tastes. Also, capers can be a good add to pesto. Enjoy!
Spinach Pesto
A healthy variation of the classic Italian pesto sauce
Prep time: 5 mins
Cook time: 3-5 mins
Total time: 10 mins
Servings: 1
Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients:
- 1 cup walnuts
- 75 gram fresh spinach
- 1/2 cup basil
- 1/2 lemon sqeezed
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 garlic clove
- 3 tbsp parmesan
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 cup water
Instructions:
- Assemble all the ingredients and add to your food processor. Be careful with the water. Don't use it all, leave a bit and see if the pesto needs more liquid after mixing.
- Mix until everything is combined to the texture your prefer. Scrape a few time from the sides and taste. Some people like it more fresh, you could add a bit more lemon, others are a big fan of garlic and would like to add more of that. If it's too thick you can always add more oolive oil or water.
