Super Basil Pesto (Healthy Version)

Name: Super Basil Pesto (Healthy Version)
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 1 Cup Pesto, 4 serving(s)
Ingredients: 473.18 ml fresh basil, lightly packed (the super part is to use more than one variety of basil, I used 3, Pesto Basil, Red Opal Basil and C); 59.14 ml pine nuts, toasted (or if you want be even healthier Walnuts); 2-4 garlic cloves, depending on size and how much you like garlic (or more, I used like 5 pretty small gloves in mine); 44.37 ml extra virgin olive oil; 29.58 ml water (Or Broth, I use veggie broth for mine); 59.14 ml parmigiano-reggiano cheese, grated; 2.46 ml salt; 2.46 ml pepper; 0.25-0.5 ml crushed red pepper flakes (my little twist)

Submitted by Chefchriskiki

"Using less oil makes this recipe a little easier on the waist line, but doesn't skimp out on big taste and comes with a twist. I created this using several recipes I had seen online. Beware this is garlicky for those who don't like garlic. Cooking Time= Combining Ingredients."

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photo by AlaskaSnowMom

Ready In:: 15mins
Ingredients:: 9
Yields:: 1 Cup Pesto
Serves:: 4

ingredients

473.18 ml fresh basil, lightly packed (the super part is to use more than one variety of basil, I used 3, Pesto Basil, Red Opal Basil and C)
59.14 ml pine nuts, toasted (or if you want be even healthier Walnuts)
2-4 garlic cloves, depending on size and how much you like garlic (or more, I used like 5 pretty small gloves in mine)
44.37 ml extra virgin olive oil
29.58 ml water (Or Broth, I use veggie broth for mine)
59.14 ml parmigiano-reggiano cheese, grated
2.46 ml salt
2.46 ml pepper
0.25-0.5 ml crushed red pepper flakes (my little twist)

directions

Put all ingredients, but the pepper flakes in the food processor.
Pulse and blend.
Blend until everything has been mixed, the pesto should be thick (to the point of being spreadable) and not runny. Trust me you want it this way, it coats the noodles way better.
Put the pesto into a bowl and mix in the pepper flakes.
You are now ready to mix it into your pasta or put it on your pizza.
Note: The pesto by itself is a bit salty, but don't worry once on your pasta or pizza it is just right.

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Reviews

I have been growing 4 pots of basil (from seed) in my apartment windows all summer and wanted to make some pesto. I was looking for a recipe that didn't use a ton of oil so this was perfect! I used a combo of Genovese, spicy globe, and purple, with the majority being the Genovese. I used 3 (large) cloves of garlic. I'm looking forward to finding recipes to use this on... maybe a pizza for starters? :) Thanks for the recipe!

flower7
This turned out amazing! So much flavor packed in a small bite. I've been looking for healthy fresh recipes. Tonight I grabbed a whole wheat pita and put a little pesto on it, a bit of mozzarella, sliced tomatoes and some rotisserie chicken. AMAZING!
AlaskaSnowMom