Blanched Pesto

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Ingredients

  • 6 cups fresh basil leaves
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted sunflower seed kernels, toasted
  • 1/4 cup plus 1 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 2 ounces finely grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese (about 1/2 cup)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large Dutch oven filled with water to a boil over high. Fill a large bowl with ice water. Place basil leaves in a metal strainer. Place strainer in pan, using tongs to quickly submerge all basil leaves; cook 5 seconds or just until leaves turn bright green. Carefully remove strainer with leaves from pan; drain. Immediately plunge strainer with leaves in ice water bath. Let stand 10 seconds. Remove basil; drain well. Spread basil leaves on a clean, dry dish towel; gently blot dry with another towel.
  2. Place basil, sunflower seeds, oil, and salt in a food processor; process until smooth. Add cheese; process until blended.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

487 kcal 24% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 14.3g 29% DV
Total Fat 42.8g 55% DV
Carbs 20.2g 7% DV
Fiber 10.6g 38% DV
Sugar 2.4g 5% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 10054mg 100% DV
Potassium 835mg 18% DV
Cholesterol 9mg 3% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 38.5mcg 4% DV
Vitamin C 1.3mg 1% DV
Calcium 742mg 57% DV
Iron 23.9mg 100% DV

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

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