Hola Amigos, Idriss here, trying to help you keep those New Year resolutions that you swore you were going to honor. I hope you didn’t already go back to bacon, but if you did that’s okay; come back to the green side with this awesome Sunflower and Pumpkin Seed Vegan Kale Pesto Spaghetti.
Say that ten times faster. I dare you.
‘I wish you would not call it pesto’ -Léa Jasmine
Let me tell you the story of a girl who loves basil. This chica smiles at the sight of basil and pesters her boyfriend about the fact he does not grow enough of it. One plant is not enough!
Of course it isn’t.
When I made this pasta, and served it to her, she smiled and said: Ooh Pestooo. She took a bite and then looked up to me very slowly and said: ‘What is this? I was promised pesto’
She still finished her plate and asked for more, it was delicious, but should not be mistaken for the sacred entity that is basil pesto, as far as Lea is concerned.
What is pesto anyway?
Pesto in Italian means paste. It’s traditionally made using a pestle and mortar. It’s essentially taking herbs and turning them into a paste. And guess which herb grew the most in Italy!
That’s right, you got it, Basil.
Here is a fact, you can take pretty much any green leaf and turn it into a pesto.
So yes, I did make pesto, my pesto.
Pesto Theorem (Yes, I be a nerd)
There a clear formula on how to make pesto, the classic one calls for Basil (Freshness), Parmigianino (Umami), Olive oil (Fat), Lemon juice (Acidity), Pine nuts (Creaminess) and some people like to even add in anchovies for extra umami and saltiness.
Once you get those parts to a pesto, you can pretty much change it around any way you want. I decided to make a vegan version, somewhat similar to my vegan pesto.
So here is my formula:
(Baby kale (it’s less sour) + a little fresh basil) + (Nutritional Yeast +Turmeric) + Olive oil + (Lemon Juice + Zest for extra freshness) + (Sunflower seed and pumpkin seeds) = Awesome nutrient charged pesto.
Dare I say, Pesto 2.0
Behold thee!!
Magnificent right?
Hehe no but seriously. My approach to cooking is pretty simple, I look at each ingredient for the role that it plays in the dish. Once I understand that role, I can successfully change it and pretty make into anything I want. And what I want right now, is vegan and healthy.
Give it a try, and tell me how it went. If you enjoy our recipes, subscribe to our newsletter to never miss a recipe and to get secret bonus recipes that only our members get.
Enjoy,
Idriss
Sunflower and Pumpkin Seed Vegan Kale Pesto
Ingredients
- 2 Cups of Baby Kale
- 1 Cup of Basil
- 1 Cup of Pumpkin Seeds and Sunflower Seeds
- ¼ Cup of olive oil. You can add more if you want.
- Juice and zest of one lemon. You can use less I like my pesto very lemony.
- ½ Tsp of turmeric.
- ¼ Cup of Nutritional yeast.
- Salt and Pepper to taste.
- 1 500g pack of spaghetti or any pasta of your choice. Penne is also an excellent choice.
Instructions
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In a food processor or blender , add your Kale, Basil, olive oil and lemon juice and half of your seeds. Blend.
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Add your turmeric and nutritional yeast and blend again until completely smooth.
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In a big pot, bring some water to boil.
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Add some salt and then throw in your pasta.
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Once the pasta is cooked. Scoop in about ½ cup of that starchy pasta water and set it aside.
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Drain your pasta.
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Add some of that pesto to your pasta and your pasta water. It might look a little too watery but don’t worry the pasta will soak it up like nobody’s business. Adding that starchy pasta water guarantees that your pasta won’t be dry and sad.
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Add the rest of your seeds.
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And mix thoroughly.
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Serve and enjoy.
You like what you read ? Pin this and make it later !
Idriss
Food blogger
From-scratch-recipe-enthusiast
Endlessly curious hipster
Vegan dabbler (I try !)
Health-food-celebrator
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I love pesto! I would need to try this recipe to see how it is compared to how Italian pesto is
There is a difference, this one has a more intense taste due to kale, and the sunflower seeds 🙂 Enjoy
This pesto is so easy to make. I’m going to try it since I’m avoiding all animal products. Great color too!
Thank you Kat !
I love a kale pesto and this recipe is giving me stomach rumblies!
I love pesto and this looks super yummy!
Whaat – this is so cool! Definitely need to try this I love pesto!
Mmm!! Pesto is always so yummy! I love that this is a healthy option! Can’t wait to try making this!
xo, Chloe // http://funinthecloset.com/bringing-it-back-old-school-trends/
I love pesto too ! Let me know how it goes for you 🙂
This is definitely going on my must-make list. I need more healthy recipes like this, and I love sunflower and pumpkin seeds. I buy them all the time for my granola, so this is a perfect recipe for me! Thanks so much for sharing 🙂
My pleasure, Mary Jane !
Your recipes always look so good!!! :))
Thank you so much for saying that Umberta !
Wow! This looks amazing! I’m always on the lookout for yummy vegan food recipes, and this one definitely fits the bill. Thanks for sharing!
My pleasure !
those pictures made this dish very enticing . thanks for the the recipe.
Not only does this look and sound amazing, but I learned something from this post! I always use store-bought pesto, but now that I know the formula and have a jumping off point, maybe I will try to make it myself the next time a recipe calls for pesto. Thanks!
You’re welcome Beth ! I’m glad I was able to help
My hubby has been making kale pesto regularly for a few years. It’s a great way to eat kale for those who don’t enjoy it much – like me. I like kale in salads, but I despise it cooked. In a pesto sauce it’s impossible to tell it’s kale!
Exactly, It’s the best way (in my mind at least) to eat lots of fresh, raw kale !
Before I try, could you please clarify for the nuts. Is it 1 cup equivalent 1/2 cup of sunflower and 1/2 of pumkin seeds. Or is it 1 cup of each? with thanks! I will be processing tremendous amount of kale and freezing the bathches therefore needing the correct answer before I start. With thanks!
Hi Carole,
It’s actually half/half or whatever ratio you prefer. The important thing is that you put a total of 1 cup of seeds in the pesto.
Have fun!