Ingredients
Equipment
Method
Prepare Your Ingredients
- First, ensure your fresh basil has large stems removed. If you haven't already, take your peeled garlic cloves and roast them until they are tender and slightly caramelized for that wonderful mellow sweetness. If you are using pine nuts or walnuts, I highly recommend toasting them lightly in a dry pan for a few minutes until fragrant. This simple step truly deepens their flavor before they go into the blend.
Combine Dry Ingredients & Initial Blend
- To a food processor or small blender, add the prepared basil, toasted nuts or seeds, roasted garlic, fresh lemon juice, nutritional yeast, and sea salt. Secure the lid and blend or mix on high until these ingredients start to come together, forming a loose, bright green paste. You will notice the rich aroma of the herbs and garlic already beginning to fill your kitchen.
Achieve Creamy Consistency
- Now, with the machine running if possible, slowly add the extra virgin olive oil a little at a time. Scrape down the sides of the food processor or blender as needed to ensure everything is incorporated evenly. Next, add 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of water at a time until your pesto reaches the desired consistency. You are aiming for a thick yet pourable sauce that is creamy and smooth. Remember, if your basil leaves are particularly juicy, you might not need as much water, which is completely normal. A common mistake is adding too much water too quickly, which can make your pesto runny. If you are avoiding oil altogether, simply use vegetable broth or just water in this step until you reach the perfect texture.
Taste and Adjust
- Once you have achieved that lovely creamy texture, it is time for the most important step: tasting and adjusting the flavor. This is where you can truly make the pesto your own. Add more nutritional yeast for an extra cheesy flavor, a pinch more sea salt for overall balance, a few more nuts for nuttiness, a touch more garlic for a subtle zing, or additional lemon juice for a brighter acidity. You are aiming for a delightful balance of creamy, zesty, cheesy, garlicky, and bright flavors.
Enjoy Immediately or Store
- Your beautiful mint-kissed vegan pesto is now ready to enjoy immediately with your favorite dishes, or it can be stored for later use, making meal times effortless.
Notes
Refrigerate pesto in an airtight container with a thin layer of olive oil on top for up to 1 week. For longer storage, freeze in ice cube molds; transfer cubes to a freezer bag for 1 month+. Thaw in the fridge or at room temperature. Nutrition information is estimated based on common ingredients and serving sizes and may vary.