Broccoli and mint pesto
This broccoli and mint pesto blends fresh broccoli, creamy avocado, and vibrant spearmint, creating a nutrient-rich alternative to traditional pesto. Perfect for pastas, salads, or spreads, it's easy to make and packed with flavor.
Cook time 5 min
Prep time 10 min
Ingredients:
8 oz broccoli1/2 avocado
1 cup spearmint
1/3 cup almonds
2 garlic cloves
3/4 cup olive oil
Looking for a delicious and healthy alternative to traditional pesto? This broccoli and mint pesto is a wonderful choice, combining the vibrant flavors of broccoli, mint, and avocado with the rich nuttiness of almonds. Perfect for pasta, salads, or as a spread, this versatile recipe is easy to make and nutritionally beneficial.
Instructions:
- Start by washing the broccoli thoroughly under cold water.
- Cut the broccoli into small florets.
- Bring a pot of water to a boil, then add a pinch of salt.
- Add the broccoli florets to the boiling water and cook for about 3-4 minutes, or until they are bright green and tender. Avoid overcooking.
- Drain the broccoli and immediately plunge it into a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. This helps maintain its vibrant color. Drain well after cooling.
- Peel and roughly chop the garlic cloves.
- Cut the avocado in half and remove the pit. Scoop out the flesh and set it aside.
- Measure out the fresh spearmint leaves, almonds, and olive oil.
- In a food processor or high-speed blender, add the blanched and drained broccoli, avocado, spearmint leaves, almonds, and garlic.
- Pulse the mixture until roughly combined.
- With the food processor or blender running on low speed, slowly drizzle in the olive oil.
- Blend until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy. You may need to stop and scrape down the sides of the bowl occasionally to ensure everything is well incorporated.
- If the pesto is too thick, you can add a bit more olive oil or a splash of water to reach your desired consistency.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste and blend again briefly to combine.
- Transfer the pesto to a clean jar or container.
- You can use the pesto immediately as a sauce for pasta, a spread for sandwiches, or a dip for vegetables.
- Store any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze the pesto in ice cube trays and transfer the frozen cubes to a freezer-safe bag.
This dairy-free broccoli and mint pesto is a refreshing twist on a classic favorite. With its nutrient-rich ingredients and deliciously fresh taste, it's sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Enjoy it on pasta, as a dip, or even as a sandwich spread for a healthy and delightful meal option.
Broccoli and mint pesto FAQ:
The broccoli should be cooked in boiling water for about 3-4 minutes, or until it’s bright green and tender. Avoid overcooking to retain its color and nutrients.
You can substitute almonds with other nuts like walnuts, cashews, or pine nuts. Alternatively, you can use seeds such as sunflower seeds for a nut-free option.
If the pesto is too thick, add more olive oil gradually or a splash of water while blending until you reach your desired consistency.
Yes, you can store leftover pesto in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze the pesto in ice cube trays and transfer the frozen cubes to a freezer-safe bag.
The pesto is done blending when it becomes smooth and creamy. You may need to stop and scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure all ingredients are fully incorporated.
Cooking Tips:
- Blanch Broccoli: To achieve a vibrant green color and tender texture, blanch the broccoli for 2-3 minutes in boiling water, then immediately transfer it to an ice bath to stop the cooking process.
- Toast Almonds: For a deeper, richer flavor, toast the almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes until they are golden brown.
- Use Fresh Mint: Fresh spearmint leaves will provide the best flavor. Make sure the leaves are thoroughly washed and dried to avoid adding extra water to the pesto.
- Adjust Consistency: If the pesto is too thick, you can adjust the consistency by adding a bit more olive oil or a splash of water. Blend until you reach your desired texture.
Nutrition Facts
10 ServingsCalories 50kcal
Protein 1.66g
Carbohydrates 3.30g
Fiber 1.73g
Sugar 0.56g
Fat 22g
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