Short on nuts, I used some ground almonds, but you should feel free to use whatever you have on hand (pinenuts, walnuts, hazelnuts...). While it would have gone well with pasta, my spinach basil pesto found different fates. Quite a few grilled cheeses were made with pesto and tomato jam- a heavenly combination if you ask me :)
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| Grilled cheese with spinach basil pesto and tomato jam, roasted green beans on the side |
Another tasty use was in a side dish of some roasted eggplant and fresh tomato slices. Layered with spinach basil pesto and topped with some Parmesan, an elegant side dish was thrown together easily! Layer in some mozzarella, and you've got a more substantial appetizer/side.
Spinach Basil Pesto
Recipe by Shannon
Yield ~1c
1c packed basil
2c packed baby spinach
1-2 garlic cloves
juice of 1 lemon
2-3T almond meal
extra virgin olive oil
salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
Add all ingredients (basil through almond meal) to a blender or food processor and with the motor running, drizzle in olive oil until it's well combined (you'll probably use 1/4-1/2c). Scrape down the sides as needed, and season to taste with salt and pepper.
What's your favorite use for pesto??
24 comments:
I am such a fan of spinach pesto. Your eggplant dish looks so elegant! I usually toss it with pasta or easy chicken sausage dishes but the possibilities are clearly endless!
I have a batch of basil pesto in my freezer. I love just giving it a quick toss with pasta or using it as a quick marinade!
my basil plant is quickly dying, I should really whip some of this up while I still can!!
I love any kind of pesto. My favorite use is definitely with pasta! And in sandwiches :)
Those grilled cheeses do look heavenly - my current favorite combo - brie, caramelized apples & Canadian bacon.
First of all, gorgeous photos!! The eggplant and tomato stack looks restaurant-worthy =). Second of all, I love the idea of using almond meal (something I always have on hand) in pesto. I must try that!
I adore pesto on pizza, really good bread, pasta, spoons... ;).
I never used spinach to make pesto. but i love spinach, so, I certainly love it
how delicious! And I love that you used almond meal!
I love pesto! I made a ton of it this summer. I love the idea of using almonds and spinach...yum!
Jealous of your CSA haul! I like using pesto to make meatballs - they are a hit every time I make them.
http://mybizzykitchen.com/2011/02/23/skinny-chicken-pesto-meatballs/
Hope you are doing well Shannon!
One of the many things I'm going to miss about summer is basil and pesto! I love that vibrant green!
Spinach pesto is the bomb! I love pesto on grilled cheese too - sounds like heaven with the tomato jam.
I think I would like spinach pesto. I like pesto in general, but have had bad luck with making it myself.
Love the vibrant color of that pesto... and that sandwich is seriously calling my name!
I definitely love pesto in pasta and on pizza!
Mmmm I want that grilled sandwich right about now.
this pesto and those dishes are absolutely gorgeous.
Love the eggplant idea - I have basil plants that need harvesting and I also have a couple little eggplants in the fridge. And you've reminded me that I don't eat grilled cheese nearly enough!
Love the pretty plate - looks like a restaurant dish! And I want that grilled cheese :)
Yummm - I love pesto. Thanks for sharing!
on GF pasta!!
This looks so good.
I'm craving pesto now ;)
xo
Pestos are awesome. I like how creamy yours look. This is really something I need to make and freeze so I have it on hand.
Also, the chocolate tart sounds incredible!
Popped in to say hi! This looks delicious. I would love to try some spinach pesto!
add to the cook book please. Maybe a jam/spread/sauce cookbook is first up!
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