My Foodie Call

I was craving pesto.

In the worst way.

The problem?

No fresh basil. Plenty of dried basil though. Let’s make it work in a pesto.

Okay, obviously fresh basil is better for pesto when possible, but having fresh basil at all times?

Not always a reality in this house.

…and walnuts instead of pine nuts??

Yes, way healthier and cheaper than pine nuts!

Gather your goods and food processor. Not rocket science.

Voila. Pesto made with dried basil and toasted walnuts.

Add it to spaghetti and dinner is done.

Dried Basil Pesto with Toasted Walnuts

• 1/2 cup (a little under a jar) dried basil
• 1/4 cup walnut pieces
• 3 cloves garlic
• 3/4 cup grated parmesan
• 3/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

1.  Set a dry pan on your stove to medium heat. Toast walnuts for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently until lightly browned.

2. Put walnuts, basil, garlic, and parmesan cheese in your food processor.

3. Pulse several times to break it up. Then fully process until walnuts are blended in and you have a nice paste.

4. With processor running, slowly pour oil into the feeder of your processor.

5. Continue to run until smooth, 30-40 seconds??

We put it on whole wheat spaghetti.

My 10-year-old who is “meh” about pasta had a huge whopping plate of this after cross-country practice. Winning.

My 6-year-old had two large bowls….

Was hoping to have leftovers for school lunches….No such luck. That’s a good thing, right??