Asparagus And Herb Pesto

By á-170456

Ingredients

• 1 pound asparagus tough ends trimmed, spears cut in half lengthwise
• 1/4 cup pine nuts toasted
• 2 cups basil leaves - (loosely packed)
• 1 cup Italian parsley sprigs - (loosely packed)
• 5 garlic cloves or more to taste
• 1/3 cup water (or vegetable stock)
• 1/3 cup nutritional yeast flakes
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
• 1/4 teaspoon lemon pepper (or white pepper)
• 2/3 cup olive oil

Preparation

Step 1

Place the asparagus spears in a steamer basket and steam for 3 to 4 minutes or until tender. Remove the asparagus from the steamer basket and set aside to cool.

In a food processor, place the pine nuts, and process for 1 minute to finely chop them. Add the steamed asparagus and process for 1 minute to form a chunky puree.

Add the basil, parsley, and garlic, and pulse a few times to roughly chop the herbs. Add the water, nutritional yeast flakes, salt, and lemon pepper, and process for 1 to 2 minutes to form a smooth puree.

While the machine is running, drizzle in the olive oil, and continue to process the mixture for 1 additional minute. Transfer the pesto to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator.

Use as a sauce for pasta, vegetables, or grains, or to add flavor to sauces, dressings, or side dishes, or as a sandwich spread.

This recipe yields 3 cups.