For those looking to diversify your pesto game, it is sure to be a hit! Made with almonds instead of pine nuts, it’s a delicious twist on the beloved Italian condiment that can taste any dish up a notch. Whether you are topping off pasta, stirring it into soups or marinades for grilling veggies, this creamy and nutty flavor combination adds a wonderful complexity – not mention added protein – to any meal, may it be breakfast, lunch or dinner! Please keep reading for our guide on how to make the perfect Almond Pesto every time.
Table of Contents
Ingredients You Need to Make Almond Pesto
If you have ever wanted to make it, then these are the ingredients you will need:
- 2 cups of almonds, roughly chopped
- Two cloves of garlic, minced
- Three tablespoons of olive oil
- One teaspoon of sea salt
- 1/4 cup of fresh parsley leaves, plus more for garnish
- Two tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper.
Once you have all the ingredients, you can start making! Combine all the ingredients in a food processor or blender and blend until smooth. You may need to add more oil or water for consistency. Once you have it ready, you can use it as a spread, dip, or sauce to enhance the flavor of your favorite dishes.
Instructions
1. In a food processor, add two garlic cloves and pulse until finely chopped.
2. Add 1/3 cup of sliced almonds and pulse until they are coarsely chopped.
3. To the food processor, add 3 cups fresh baby spinach, two tablespoons nutritional yeast, 1/3 cup parmesan cheese, 1/3 cup olive oil, and a pinch of salt. Pulse until the pesto is well combined.
4. Transfer it to a bowl and enjoy as desired!
Enjoy as a dip with crunchy vegetables or spread on toast for breakfast. Use it to top off pasta dishes or even as a pizza sauce!
Recipe and Variations
It is a delicious and versatile sauce that can be used in many different ways. It’s perfect for tossing with pasta, spreading on toast, or using as a dip. Almonds lend a creamy textural contrast and give the pesto a nutty flavor. With just a few ingredients, you can whip up this delicious meal in no time.
Variations: You can easily make variations by adding different herbs and spices. Add some fresh basil leaves or dried basil, oregano, or chili flakes for a bit of heat. You can also experiment with nuts such as walnuts and cashews. If you want to make it vegan-friendly, try using nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese.
Serving Suggestions: It is great as a condiment or dip. Try it on grilled vegetables, sandwiches, salads, and roasted potatoes. You can also use it for pasta, pizza, or risotto. It’s also a great addition to soups and stews. It can be stored in an airtight container for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
How much Pesto dies this recipe make?
This yields about 2 cups (480 ml) of Almond Pesto. Depending on your use, this can serve anywhere from 4-8 people.
How long does it last?
It will usually last up to a week in an airtight container and stored in the refrigerator. If you want to extend its shelf life, it can be frozen in an air-tight container for up to two months. When ready to use, defrost it overnight in the refrigerator or for about an hour at room temperature. If it has been frozen will be good for up to four days after defrosting.
How to use it?
It is a versatile condiment that can be used in many different kinds of dishes. Mix it with cooked pasta and fresh vegetables for a flavorful, easy meal. Almond Pesto can be spread on sandwiches, pizza, or as a dip for raw almond vegetables. Almond Pesto is an amazing way to add flavor to any dish!
How to Toast Almonds?
Toasting almonds is important in adding flavor and texture to Almond Pesto. Here’s a simple guide on how to do it right:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C).
- Spread the almonds on a baking sheet in a single layer, ensuring they are not overcrowded.
- Bake for 5 – 10 minutes, stirring the almonds halfway through to ensure even cooking and to prevent burning.
- When done, remove from the oven and let cool slightly before using in recipes or other dishes.
Tip: Once cooled, store toasted almonds in an airtight container in a cool, dry place for up to two weeks.
Can you freeze homemade Pesto?
Yes, you can freeze homemade pesto. Almond Pesto is an ideal option for freezing because it doesn’t contain cheese or other dairy, which makes it a great vegan option. To freeze Almond Pesto, place the pesto in an airtight container or jar and store it in the freezer. You can also use ice cube trays to portion Almond Pesto before freezing it.
Once frozen, it will last up to 3 months in the freezer. To thaw it, place it in the refrigerator overnight or use the defrost setting on your microwave. It can be used immediately once thawed and doesn’t need to be cooked before consumption.
Making it ahead of time is a great way to save time in the kitchen and ensure you always have a delicious condiment. It can be used as an appetizer dip, tossed with pasta or vegetables, spread onto sandwiches, or added to soups or sauces.
Tools to make Homemade Pesto
Making Almond Pesto is a fun and satisfying culinary experience that results in delicious pesto you can use for various dishes. To make Almond Pesto, you will need the following tools:
- High-powered blender or food processor. This helps to break down the ingredients into a smooth consistency.
- A sharp knife. This will chop the almonds and garlic before blending them in the blender or food processor.
- A spoon. Use this for stirring and mixing all ingredients until a uniform consistency is achieved.
- Mortar and pestle. If you don’t have a blender or food processor, you can use a mortar and don’t to help break down the ingredients into a paste.
Once you have these tools, you can start making it! Have fun and enjoy the process of creating something delicious from scratch.
Storage
It is a great condiment to keep in your refrigerator. It can be stored for up to one week when properly covered and refrigerated. Almond Pesto can be frozen for longer storage and kept for up to six months.
To freeze, put the mixture into an airtight container and press a layer of plastic wrap directly onto the pesto before sealing it with a lid. Label the container with the freezing date to track how long it has been stored. Almond Pesto can also be safely canned for long-term storage, but this process should only be done with a trusted recipe.
To thaw, remove it from the freezer and place it in the refrigerator overnight. Almond Pesto can also be thawed in a bowl of hot water. Once the Almond Pesto has been thawed, it should be used immediately. Almond Pesto should not be frozen pesto cubes.
FAQs
What is Almond Pesto?
It is a delicious, nutty pesto sauce made with roasted almonds and olive oil. Almond Pesto is a versatile condiment for pasta, pizza, sandwiches, salads, and more.
What are the health benefits of Almond Pesto?
It is a healthy alternative to traditional pestos as it contains fewer calories and saturated fat than regular pesto sauces. Almonds are high in fiber, protein, and monounsaturated fatty acids, which can help lower blood cholesterol levels. Almonds are also an excellent source of vitamin E, manganese, magnesium, copper, and vitamin B2. Almond Pesto is a great way to add flavor to your meals while maintaining a healthy diet.
How do I use Almond Pesto?
It is a great addition to any dish. It can be used as a spread on sandwiches or as a sauce for pasta dishes. Almond Pesto can also be used as a salad dressing or to top off roasted vegetables. Almond Pesto is extremely versatile and can be used in various recipes.
Is Almond Pesto gluten-free?
Yes, it is completely gluten-free. Almonds are naturally gluten-free, and Almond Pesto is made without added wheat ingredients.
Does Almond Pesto contain dairy?
It is dairy-free and vegan-friendly. Almonds provide a creamy texture, making them perfect for vegan recipes. Almond Pesto can be used as a substitute for regular pesto in many recipes.
Are Almond pests available in different flavors?
It is available in various flavors, including basil pesto, garlic, lemon, and sun-dried tomato. All these flavors are made with roasted veggies, almonds, and olive extra virgin olive oil, making Almond Pesto a delicious and healthy alternative to regular pesto sauces.
Where can I buy Almond Pesto?
It is available in most grocery stores, health food stores, and online retailers. Almond Pesto can also be made at home using roasted almonds, and olive oil. Almond Pesto is a great addition to any dish and can be used as a delicious condiment or ingredient in various recipes.
Conclusion
I hope this Almond Pesto recipe has inspired you to try it. Almonds are incredibly versatile and offer just as much flavor as traditional pesto recipes. This Almond Pesto is quick, easy, and flavorful – the perfect accompaniment to your favorite pasta dish or as a spread on your sandwiches.