Embrace the Sun: A Fresh Twist on Pesto with Sunflower Microgreen Shoots
All about pesto
Pesto sauce is an aromatic Italian condiment known for its rich flavor profile. Traditionally made from fresh basil leaves, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil, it boasts a harmonious blend of ingredients that come together in a delightful green paste. Pesto is also versatile and can elevate a wide range of dishes, from pasta and sandwiches to salads and grilled meats. Its bold and zesty taste, along with its vibrant green color, makes it a favorite among foodies worldwide, adding a burst of Mediterranean flair to any meal!
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Sunflower microgreens and pesto sauce
Our sunflower microgreen shoot and sunflower seed pesto sauce is a delightful twist on the classic Italian condiment. Instead of pine nuts, it features the nutty richness and flavor of sunflower! The sunflower seeds and microgreen shoots add a unique and earthy tone to the sauce. The sunflower microgreen shoots not only enhance the fresh, green flavor, but also infuses it with an extra layer of vibrant color.
This innovative pesto variation offers a wonderful blend of flavors and textures, and is a versatile choice that brings fresh whole food ingredients into your kitchen creations.
How to make this awesome pesto sauce with sunflower shoot microgreens
Special tools: food processor (or a blender if you don’t have one).
Ingredients
1/2 cup sunflower seeds, plain and shelled
1 1/2 cups fresh basil, packed
1 1/2 cups fresh sunflower microgreen shoots
2 large cloves garlic
1 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
3 tbsp Parmesan cheese, grated
3 tbsp lemon juice, fresh squeezed
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
Instructions
Place sunflower seeds, basil, sunflower shoot microgreens, and garlic in food processor.
Pulse until well chopped and combined.
While food processor is running, slowly drizzle olive oil into food processor to combine.
Once all above ingredients are well incorporated, transfer ingredients to a bowl.
Add parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and lemon juice.
Taste your pesto and add more salt, pepper, and/or lemon juice to suit your palate.
NOTE: use nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan cheese
Substituting nutritional yeast for Parmesan cheese in a recipe is a popular choice, especially for those following a vegan or dairy-free diet. Nutritional yeast provides a cheesy and nutty flavor without animal-based products. When using nutritional yeast as a Parmesan cheese substitute, you can generally do a one-to-one swap. Start with a similar quantity of nutritional yeast as the amount of Parmesan cheese called for in your recipe. Adjust the amount to your taste, as nutritional yeast has a distinctive flavor!
Present this sunflower shoot microgreen pesto sauce like a pro
Use fresh, quality ingredients
As always, fresh ingredients are key! Pesto sauces are know for their very rich flavor. Taking the effort to squeeze the juice from a fresh lemon is a great start. Using fresh basil is important as well—there’s a big difference between dried basil and fresh basil—so try not to use dried herbs. Also, aim for a high quality olive oil. The greener, the better! There is a big difference in flavor and going green with the EVOO will set your pesto apart!
Plain sunflower seeds!
Pay close attention to whether you’ve got plain or salted sunflower seeds. If you’re using plain, like the recipe calls for, go ahead and add the salt the recipe calls out. If you’re using salted sunflower seeds, leave out the salt in the recipe and add more to taste at the end.
Embracing sunflower microgreen shoots in your pesto is a delightful way to infuse your meals with a burst of freshness and nutrition. It's a testament to how nature's bounty can elevate even the simplest of recipes. So, next time you're in the mood for pesto, step into the sunshine with this sunflower microgreen shoot pesto, and let your taste buds bask in the glorious flavors of the season.
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