Vibrant Vegan Basil Pistou
This Vibrant Vegan Basil Pistou brings a fresh and aromatic twist to traditional French cuisine, omitting the cheese for a fully plant-based experience. With its rich blend of toasted pine nuts, zesty lemon, and fragrant basil, this pistou not only serves as a delightful dip or spread for sandwiches but also elevates your favorite pasta dishes. Enjoy it tossed with penne, drizzled over grilled vegetables, or simply as a vibrant addition to your antipasto platter.
N/A
Servings
400
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
pine nuts
1 cup (toasted)
fresh basil
3-4 cups (sliced)
coarse salt
1 tablespoon (to taste)
garlic cloves
2 (peeled)
olive oil
1/2 cup (extra virgin)
lemon juice
1/2 (freshly squeezed)
Instructions
1
Begin by toasting the pine nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat until golden brown, stirring frequently to prevent burning. Allow to cool slightly.
2
In a food processor, combine the toasted pine nuts, fresh basil leaves, coarse salt, and garlic cloves. Pulse until roughly chopped.
3
With the processor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the mixture becomes a smooth yet slightly textured paste, scraping down the sides as necessary.
4
Add the fresh lemon juice and blend again until incorporated. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, lemon juice, or olive oil as desired.
5
Transfer the pistou to a jar or container, cover, and refrigerate for up to a week.
Nutrition Information
40g
Fat
10g
Carbs
6.67g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Vibrant Vegan Basil Pistou?
Vibrant Vegan Basil Pistou is a fresh and aromatic plant-based twist on traditional French sauce, made without cheese and featuring toasted pine nuts, basil, and lemon.
Is this pistou recipe vegan?
Yes, this recipe is fully plant-based and vegan as it omits traditional cheese.
What are the main ingredients in this recipe?
The main ingredients are toasted pine nuts, fresh basil, coarse salt, garlic cloves, extra virgin olive oil, and fresh lemon juice.
How do I toast the pine nuts?
Toast the pine nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat until golden brown, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
How long can I store the pistou?
You can store the pistou in a jar or container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Can I use this pistou for pasta?
Absolutely! It is delicious when tossed with penne or your favorite pasta variety.
What is the calorie count for this recipe?
This recipe contains approximately 400 calories per serving.
How much fat is in this vegan pistou?
There are 40g of fat per serving, primarily from the olive oil and pine nuts.
How much protein does this recipe provide?
Each serving provides about 6.67g of protein.
What kind of olive oil should I use?
Extra virgin olive oil is recommended for its rich flavor and smooth texture.
How many garlic cloves are needed?
The recipe calls for 2 peeled garlic cloves.
Can I use this as a sandwich spread?
Yes, it makes an excellent aromatic spread for various sandwiches.
What is the best way to blend the ingredients?
Use a food processor to pulse the nuts, basil, salt, and garlic, then slowly drizzle in the olive oil while running.
How much basil do I need?
You will need 3 to 4 cups of fresh, sliced basil.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, all the listed ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
What equipment is necessary for this recipe?
You will need a skillet for toasting the nuts and a food processor for blending the sauce.
How much lemon juice is required?
The recipe uses the juice of half a freshly squeezed lemon.
Can I adjust the seasoning?
Yes, you should taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt, lemon juice, or olive oil as desired.
What is the texture of the finished pistou?
The resulting mixture should be a smooth yet slightly textured paste.
Can I serve this with vegetables?
Yes, it is excellent when drizzled over grilled vegetables or added to an antipasto platter.
How many carbohydrates are in this dish?
There are 10g of carbohydrates per serving.
Is there any cholesterol in this vegan recipe?
No, this recipe contains no animal products and is cholesterol-free.
What is the preparation for the garlic?
The garlic cloves should be peeled before being added to the food processor.
How much pine nuts are used?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of toasted pine nuts.
Can I use this as a dressing?
Yes, it can be used as a dressing for salads or grain bowls.
What type of salt is recommended?
Coarse salt is recommended for this recipe.
Is this a traditional French recipe?
It is a vegan variation of a traditional French pistou, which typically excludes the cheese found in Italian pesto.
Can I add more olive oil?
Yes, if you prefer a thinner consistency, you can drizzle in more olive oil during the blending process.
Should I wash the basil first?
Yes, ensure the fresh basil is washed and dried before slicing and blending.
Does this recipe contain sugar?
No, there is no added sugar in this pistou recipe.