· By Luna Meschiari
Recipe: Spinach and Walnut Pesto
Today we bring you a delicious and very healthy recipe. It can be used to serve with your pasta, even as a garnish to other dishes, or simply spread on your favorite rustic bread.
We already know that spinach is good for your health. Due to its high content of vitamins A, B1, B2, C and K. As well as calcium, phosphorus, iron, folic acid, magnesium and zinc among others. Spinach is also recommended for diets, due to its low caloric intake.
But what about Walnuts? They are considered a superfood, as they contain a large amount of Omega 3. Helping our brain and protecting it. Walnuts can also help lower cholesterol and prevent cardiovascular diseases. They are good for intestinal transit, due to their high fiber content, which also help satisfy the appetite.
More benefits of Walnuts include the intake of Tryptophan and Vitamin B6 which help relax and fall asleep. They also strengthens the bones thanks to its calcium, potassium and phosphorus.
After all this, who wouldn't want to taste an awesome Pesto made out of these two ingredients?
Spinach and Walnut Pesto
Pesto is one of our favorite sauces. The traditional recipe, originally from Italy, is made by crushing some basil leaves, Parmesan cheese, pine nuts and olive oil in a mortar.
Not only the spinach and walnut pesto can be used in pasta, as we have said before, you can use it to spread sandwiches, for salads or dips.
In this recipe, we will swap the basil for the spinach and pinenuts for walnuts.
Ingredients:
- 250 gr of spinach
- 1 small garlic clove
- 50 gr of peeled walnuts
- 50 gr of Parmesan cheese (remove for Vegan option)
- 50 gr of extra virgin olive oil
- 50 gr of water
- a pinch of salt
- A pinch of ground black pepper
- A few drops of lemon juice.
Steps:
When you have all the ingredients ready, let's get started!
Put all the ingredients in a blender glass. Then grind for about 30 seconds. It should be like a paste. If you want it more liquid to use as a salad dressing, add a little more water or olive oil. And grind a few more seconds.
Store the spinach and walnut pesto in a jar, preferably glass with a lid, and leave it in the fridge. You can use it for several days.
As you have seen, we can prepare a rich accompaniment or sauce in a few seconds in a healthy way and with many health benefits.
We encourage you to try today's recipe, together with pasta, meat, carrot sticks, celery, etc. Or as you like the most. There are many ways to use this spinach walnut pesto. Enjoy!