Spinach Almond Pesto

As the weather is getting warm here , I tend to spend most of my time outside rather than struck inside the walls . That calls for simple and quick lunches , right ? This is one such quick recipe with no compromise on health.

My boy loves Italian cuisine a lot . I end up packing healthy and hearty pasta for his lunch box . One of his favorite is this spinach pesto . It's a complete win win for both of us, tasty for him and healthy for me.

Fresh and flavorful , creamy and healthy too ! What else one could ask for ? If you have 5 minutes, you have this lip smacking pesto ready , home made and fresh and preservative free. Just whip up with any pasta and there you are done .

Ingredients

Spinach .......................................... 2 cups
Almond .......................................... 12
Lemon juice ................................. 2 tbsp
Garlic ............................................. 1 clove
Zest of one lemon
Jalapeno ....................................... 1/4 , seeded(optional)
Parmesan cheese ............................1 1/2 tbsp , grated
Extra Virgin Olive Oil ................... 2 tbsp
Salt................................................. to taste
Pepper ............................................1/4 tsp , freshly grounded

Method

• Wash and clean the spinach and drain, heat a pan and wilt the leaves for 30 seconds, let it cool.
• Mean while , in a blender or food processor , blend almonds, lemon zest and juice first.
• Then add rest of the ingredients except EVOO and give a whirl.
• Finally add wilted spinach and blitz and while the processor is running , add EVOO through the chute.
• Look for a creamy consistency.
• Store in a clean glass jar , topped with a bit of EVOO.

Notes

I have used fresh spinach , you can use frozen too but thawed earlier.