RECIPE: Hemp Seed Pesto

Love Pesto? Is it weird to want to rub fresh basil leaves all over me? That fragrance, so crisp and clean.  I can’t help but pause and sniff it in once I’ve plucked off a fresh leaf.  But, I digress…

Pesto…it’s not just for pasta!  Make some to smear on sandwiches instead of mustard or mayo, scramble it in eggs, add a dollop to a cracker with a smidgeon of salmon, or smother it on shrimp or chicken.

A client recently sent me a clever recipe for kale and hemp seed pesto, that I reworked to retain my friend, basil.  This is a great option for folks with nut allergy!

Hemp Seeds are a protein rich superfood! Basil is an alkaline cancer-fighter, garlic lowers cholesterol and keep vampires away (2 birds, on stone) and lemon helps detoxify!

INGREDIENTS:

1/2 cup Hemp Seeds (hemp hearts)

1 Garlic clove, chopped or pressed

2 cups Basil, chopped

2 Tbsp lemon juice

1/4 cup Olive Oil

Sea Salt and ground Pepper to Taste

INSTRUCTIONS:

In a blender combine the above ingredients; start with hemp seeds and garlic, add basil , lemon juice and spices, finish with olive oil.  Use a spatula to scrape in to glass container for storage.

Makes about 1/2 cup (which is a lot of pesto!) Store what you don’t use immediately in a jar in fridge for a week or so. Freeze what you won’t use in near future. Or use as a facial masque. (not really…though maybe?)