How to make creamy vegan pesto sauce using avocado
This Avocado Basil Pesto is vegan and popping with flavor! The avocado gives it a nice creamy base, but doesn’t take away from that rich basil flavor you know and love. Try this as a dairy-free pesto on just about any pasta cooked or raw. You can also use it as a condiment on just about anything.
Did you know that basil helps kill microbes found in or on your greens? Not only that, but basil comes complete with vitamin A, magnesium, and several other nutrients that help protect cell walls from free radical damage in the blood. Basil even helps improve blood flow, and stops cholesterol from oxidizing in the blood stream. By not oxidizing, cholesterol doesn’t build up on blood vessel walls (avoiding atherosclerosis and a heart attack).
Basil is also a good source of magnesium, which promotes cardiovascular health by relaxing muscles and blood vessels, all while improving blood flow and lowering the risk of irregular heart rhythms and cardiovascular spasms.
Now on to the recipe for this super simple Basil Pesto that is both raw and vegan, as well as satisfying and full of flavor!
Creamy Vegan Pesto Sauce
Ingredients:
1 avocado
Juice from 3-4 large lemon slices optional
10-12 large fresh basil leaves
2 garlic cloves
1 tablespoon coconut oil
1-2 cups of cooked organic rice pasta (or spaghetti squash, zucchini noodles, etc.)
A tiny pinch of chili spice
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional sprinkle red pepper flakes to finish.
Directions:
1. Cut the avocados and scoop out the insides into a bowl.
2. Mash the avocado up.
3. Wash and chop the basil leaves.
4. Combine the basil, lemon juice and mashed avocado in a food processor.
5. Peel and finely chop or press the garlic cloves
6. In a medium frying pan heat up the coconut oil on medium heat.
7. Saute the garlic in the coconut oil.
8. Add the avocado, basil and lemon mix to the frying pan and lower the heat.
9. Add the salt, pepper and chili powder. Mix evenly. Try it to make sure it’s seasoned as you like it.
10. Serve with pasta of your choice or anything else. The amount in this recipe makes enough for a few cups of cooked pasta. It’s pretty filling, so you only need a couple tablespoons of sauce per cup of pasta. You can also use the sauce as a condiment on sandwiches, as a dip, etc.
yogaesoteric
November 16, 2018
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