Brazil Nut Pesto
By Lisa Collins
Brazil nut pesto supports thyroid health and is a flavorful and versatile condiment that can be used in various ways. Here are some ideas to incorporate Brazil nut pesto into your meals:
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Pasta Sauce: Toss cooked pasta with a few spoonfuls of Brazil nut pesto for an easy and delicious pasta dish. Add some sautéed vegetables or grilled chicken for a complete meal.
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Grilled Proteins: Use Brazil nut pesto as a marinade or sauce for grilled proteins such as chicken, salmon, shrimp, or tofu. Brush it onto the protein before grilling or use it as a finishing sauce.
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Sandwich Spread: Spread Brazil nut pesto on sandwiches or wraps for a burst of flavor. It works well with both cold and grilled sandwiches.
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Vegetable Dip: Mix Brazil nut pesto with a bit of Greek yogurt or cream cheese to create a tasty dip for fresh vegetables. It's a nutritious and flavorful alternative to traditional dips.
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Salad Dressing: Whisk Brazil nut pesto with olive oil and a touch of lemon juice to create a vibrant salad dressing. Drizzle it over mixed greens, tomatoes, and other favorite salad ingredients.
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Grain Bowl Topper: Add a dollop of Brazil nut pesto to grain bowls, such as quinoa or brown rice bowls. It adds a burst of flavor and richness to the dish.
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Pizza Sauce: Use Brazil nut pesto as a pizza sauce alternative. Spread it on pizza crust and top with your favorite vegetables and cheese before baking.
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Stuffed Vegetables: Mix Brazil nut pesto into stuffing for vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or tomatoes before baking. It adds a rich and savory element to the dish.
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Egg Dish Enhancer: Spoon Brazil nut pesto over scrambled eggs, omelets, or frittatas to elevate their flavor. It pairs well with the creamy texture of eggs.
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Sauce for Roasted Vegetables: Toss roasted vegetables with Brazil nut pesto right after they come out of the oven. The heat will help the pesto coat the veggies evenly.
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Bread Dip: Serve Brazil nut pesto as a dip for crusty bread or breadsticks. It's a great appetizer for gatherings.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup Brazil nuts, toasted
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Lemon juice (optional, for added brightness)
Optional: Stir in a scoop of Morphus Fiberus to it to increase the fiber in your diet.
Instructions:
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Toast the Brazil Nuts: In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the Brazil nuts for a few minutes, stirring occasionally until they become fragrant. Be careful not to burn them. Remove from heat and let them cool.
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Prepare the Pesto: In a food processor, combine the toasted Brazil nuts, fresh basil leaves, grated Parmesan cheese, and minced garlic. Pulse until the ingredients are coarsely chopped.
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Add Olive Oil: With the food processor running, gradually pour in the olive oil in a steady stream until the mixture reaches a smooth consistency. You may need to stop and scrape down the sides of the processor with a spatula.
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Season and Adjust: Season the pesto with salt and pepper to taste. If desired, add a squeeze of lemon juice for added brightness. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
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Store or Serve: Transfer the pesto to a jar or airtight container. If not using immediately, you can refrigerate it. Pesto can be stored in the fridge for a few days, or you can freeze it in ice cube trays for longer storage.
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Enjoy: Use the Brazil Nut Pesto as a sauce for pasta, a topping for grilled chicken or fish, or a flavorful addition to salads and sandwiches.
This Brazil Nut Pesto is rich in selenium from the Brazil nuts and provides a burst of fresh flavor from the basil. It's a versatile condiment that can enhance the taste of various dishes while potentially supporting thyroid health.
Remember, the versatility of Brazil nut pesto allows you to get creative in the kitchen. Feel free to experiment with different dishes to find your favorite ways to enjoy this flavorful condiment.
