Here lies a very unique, yet gentle pesto that begs to be tasted, and, when all is said and done, you may wish to include this in your monthly eats, as it is a beautifully easy and delicious recipe that is quick to prepare.
I don’t know about you, but I love the concept of pesto. I love its semi-rawness mixed with whole-wheat pasta. It’s filling, yet easy on the palette at the same time, and I guess that’s why it goes down so well. I have made many other pestos which I hope to share with you soon !
Makes around 2-3 portions.
INGREDIENTS
- 3-4 cloves garlic
- ½ cup pecan nuts
- 3-4 tbsps chopped parsley
- 4–6 tbsps choppe fresh basil leaves
- 5 tbsps extra virgin olive oil
- ¼ cup vegan cheese of your choice
- sea salt to taste
- 1 tbsp water
- ½ cup vegan cream of your choice (I use Provamel)
INGREDIENTS FOR GARNISH
- ¼ fresh red pepper, cut into small squares
- a little sprinkle of sweet paprika
- vegan parmesan cheese (optional)
- freshly chopped parsley
METHOD FOR THE PESTO
Start off by processing the garlic and pecan nuts in a food processor until finely chopped. Then add the parsley and basil – process also until finely chopped, then begin to add the oil, a little at a time. Next add in the rest of the ingredients, except for the water – add this in at the end, if you want to make it smoother.
After you have boiled and drained the pasta of your choice, set aside. Meanwhile pour a little olive oil into a casserole, heat, and add all the pesto. Allow to cook for a minute, then add the pasta. Continue to mix, and finally pour in the vegan cream. Heat for a minute, then turn over into a serving bowl, and add the garnish. Mmmmmm, mmmmmm, good !!!
All recipes, content & design © Miriam Sorrell mouthwateringvegan.com 2010
These are free recipes for your pleasure – all we ask in return is that you take a few moments to leave a constructive comment !
March 8th, 2011 at 2:18 pm
This looks absolutely delightful…a must try for sure…
March 8th, 2011 at 2:25 pm
Thanks, it does look rather appetizing, and it tastes great and is no hassle to prepare. Check out my other recipes, I will be posting more. Have a great day !
March 27th, 2011 at 10:08 pm
Greetings again, Miriam! Well two recipes down (recently made the Coconut Cream of Broccoli Soup) and many more to try from mouthwateringvegan.com!! Another easy recipe yet so delicious and healthy. For the “cheese” I used Daiya brand mozzarella and for the “cream” I used unsweetened coconut milk. Your recipes prove that we don’t need to eat foods rich in dairy to enjoy a healthy meal that’s pleasing to the palate and so good for the body. So happy to have discovered your site!
March 28th, 2011 at 7:31 am
Hi Audrey and thanks so much for your comment/feedback and so glad that you have enjoyed both the soup and the pesto – yes, the Daiya ‘cheese’ would have done a great job with these recipe – what I am trying to do is also to prove that we actually don’t need to consume any animal products, particularly IF we have such great substitutes and delicious dishes to eat, whilst at the same time enjoy the benefits of better health when we choose wisely. Thanks again Audrey and hope you enjoy more of my recipes. Cheers !
April 9th, 2011 at 10:35 am
I *love* the look of this – especially the way you use pecan nuts instead of the more traditional pine nuts in the pesto. Oh, and red pepper and paprika in the garnish! This looks seriously *delicious*!
April 9th, 2011 at 11:06 am
Hi Stuart, thanks so much for your constructive feedback. Although I do love the traditional pesto, I prefer the many versions that I have created, I say this because I have created quite a few and they are just so very versatile, they don’t only need to be eaten with pasta but can be included in a host of other dishes, and that’s what makes it all so much fun. Thanks again & cheers to you !
April 10th, 2011 at 4:27 am
everything you make looks amazing. oh…i wish i were as talented!
April 10th, 2011 at 12:08 pm
Beth thanks so much for that and I do hope that you make and enjoy this recipe ! Cheers to you !
April 20th, 2011 at 9:52 pm
Hey, Miriam. I tried this tonight and accidentally put WAY too much garlic in. It’s so strong that my throat is burning! haha
I will have another go at it soon, hopefully with much less garlic.
April 21st, 2011 at 8:47 pm
Cynfelyn Hi, hope you have got over your excess garlic intake. It is a pretty tasty recipe and since the garlic is raw in such a recipe, better stick to the recipe ingredients. Hope you enjoy it in the near future ! Cheers !
April 24th, 2011 at 1:48 pm
Hi Miriam
Just FYI this is my SECOND go at your pesto! it was sooo yummy the first time i made a few weeks ago, that we have decided to include it in our easter brunch this morning!!!!
I do sprinkle some pine nuts in the processor too, bc my hubby is a traditionalist and he’s just better off “knowing” there’s pine nuts in there! (ha i only put a sprinkle & let the pecans do the talkin!)
Thanks again Miriam!!!!! It is delightful!
April 25th, 2011 at 10:50 am
Hi Colleen, that sounds absolutely super !!! I find that pecans in a pesto to be far superior to any other nut – that said, it’s all down to personal choice. What a wonderful Easter brunch, good for you ! Cheers !
September 14th, 2011 at 2:59 pm
Does vegan cheese have soy in it? I wish they made cheese or cream with no soy !
September 15th, 2011 at 4:04 pm
Hi there Melody, some of the vegan cheeses use soy, some don’t – best to google and see what’s out there – depends on which country you are in etc and what is imported or made there. Redwoods make one without soya – the colour of it is orange, I think it might be the ‘cheddar’ flavoured one. Good luck and if all else fails there is this book which gives you recipes of how to make your own vegan cheese (with ingredients such as cashew nuts) http://www.amazon.com/Ultimate-Uncheese-Cookbook-Delicious-Dairy-Free/dp/1570671516 Hope this helps.
October 8th, 2011 at 7:04 pm
I’m gonna make this recipe today! So yummy!!!!!!!!♥ Thanks for sharing
October 9th, 2011 at 10:57 am
Hi Alma, let me know how it goes ! Enjoy ! Cheers !
January 18th, 2012 at 4:57 pm
eyes just went out off my head when I saw this pic.
January 18th, 2012 at 7:21 pm
I can’t wait to try this~~thank you, Miriam! Your recipes are always so appealing to my tastebuds!
January 18th, 2012 at 9:25 pm
Sheree Hi there and thanks for dropping by here with your fabulous comment – am very happy that you find my recipes very much to your taste, that’s wonderful ! I look forward to your future comments on my blog. Cheers and best to you in the meantime.
January 18th, 2012 at 9:26 pm
Hi there Vero and welcome to my site. Great to see you here, thanks for dropping by. I do hope you make this at some point and look forward to your future comments on my blog. Cheers and best to you !
January 21st, 2012 at 4:17 pm
This I have made a few times and I love pesto. Very easy to make and you can make enough for a few meals.
January 21st, 2012 at 9:14 pm
Staci-lee hi there and thanks for your comment – you are indeed right about this recipe, easy to make and one can make enough for a few meals – a time saver ! Cheers to you !
May 7th, 2012 at 2:38 pm
Hi Miriam,
Any idea yet when your recipe book will be out…I am waiting with anticipation…..!!!!
Cheers
Vicki
May 7th, 2012 at 5:59 pm
Hi there Vicki, thanks for dropping by here. Will write to you shortly. Thanks.
June 27th, 2012 at 4:27 am
Hi Miriam ,I have only just discovered your site and I too am also waiting in anticipation for your cookbook. Any ideas as to when it will be released and where can I buy it ! I am so excited your recipes are amazing !! thankyou
June 27th, 2012 at 9:57 am
Lyndel Hi there and welcome here – I too am delighted that you have found my site. Which country are you based in ? My book is due out in 9/10 months time and I have taken your name for my list of people to contact, so no problem there. In the meantime I look forward to your trying out my recipes and please leave your feedback here. Very best wishes to you !
September 11th, 2012 at 11:49 am
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September 11th, 2012 at 8:52 pm
This looks absolutely delicious! I can’t wait to try it!
September 12th, 2012 at 1:03 pm
Jeni Hi there and welcome here – let me know how it goes as and when ! Cheers to you in the meantime !
March 10th, 2013 at 8:23 pm
Had today and was delightful.
March 10th, 2013 at 8:45 pm
Hi there Wendy – so glad you made and enjoyed this !