Are you ready to elevate your culinary game with a vibrant, flavor-packed Vegan Tahini Basil Pesto that’s not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make? In just 10 minutes, you can whip up a cup of this creamy, herbaceous delight that’s perfect for tossing with pasta, drizzling over roasted vegetables, or spreading on your favorite sandwiches. With fresh basil, nutty tahini, and zesty garlic, this pesto will transform your meals into gourmet experiences. Dive into this quick and simple recipe that will leave your taste buds dancing and your friends asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 10 mins
Cuisine: Vegan
Serves: 1 cup
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves
- 1/4 cup tahini
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1/4 cup nutritional yeast
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Thoroughly wash the fresh basil leaves under cool running water, then gently pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- Peel the garlic cloves and remove any outer papery skin. Roughly chop the garlic to help it blend more easily.
- Add the fresh basil leaves, peeled garlic cloves, tahini, nutritional yeast, olive oil, salt, and pepper to a food processor or high-powered blender.
- Pulse the ingredients initially to break down the basil and garlic, scraping down the sides of the container with a spatula to ensure even mixing.
- Continue processing until the mixture becomes a smooth, creamy consistency, stopping occasionally to scrape down the sides and ensure all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Taste the pesto and adjust seasoning by adding more salt, pepper, or nutritional yeast as needed to balance the flavors.
- Transfer the pesto to a clean glass jar or airtight container. If not using immediately, drizzle a thin layer of olive oil on top to prevent oxidation.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days. The pesto can be used as a pasta sauce, spread, or dressing for various dishes.
Tips
- Choose Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, use vibrant, fresh basil leaves. Avoid wilted or brown leaves to ensure your pesto is bright and flavorful.
- Adjust Consistency: If you prefer a thinner pesto, simply add a little more olive oil or a splash of water while blending until you reach your desired consistency.
- Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to customize your pesto by adding other ingredients like lemon juice for brightness, or a handful of spinach for extra nutrients.
- Storage Savvy: To keep your pesto fresh longer, store it in an airtight container and cover the surface with a thin layer of olive oil to prevent oxidation.
- Versatile Uses: Don’t limit this pesto to just pasta! Use it as a dip for veggies, a spread on sandwiches, or a dressing for salads to add a burst of flavor to any dish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
