The color green is slowly returning to the landscape and reminding us of the regenerative power of nature. This is usually the time when many of us begin to crave fresher, lighter foods– a natural instinct to detox the heavier winter fare and renew our own energy along with the season. Loaded with chlorophyll-rich greens and packed with essential minerals, this recipe is not only energy-boosting and loaded with nutrients, it is also incredibly versatile. Brush it onto fish or chicken, stir it into soup, and eat it on quinoa, salad, or spiralized zucchini noodles. Consider drizzling it onto veggies like asparagus, broccoli, sweet potatoes, and more!
Serves 4
Ingredients:
- 2 cups fresh basil
- 2 cups spinach
- 1 cup kale
- 7 cloves garlic
- ¾ cup mix of pine nuts, walnuts, almonds (raw and organic; adjust according to availability and preference)
- ½ - ¾ teaspoon Himalayan salt (adjust to taste)
- ¾ - 1 cup olive oil
- Juice of one fresh lemon
Directions:
- Blend the Pesto: In a food processor, combine the basil, spinach, kale, garlic, nuts, Himalayan salt, and lemon juice. Pulse a few times to mix.
- Add Olive Oil: While the processor is running, gradually add the olive oil in a steady stream. Continue processing until the mixture is completely blended and reaches your desired consistency.
- Taste and Adjust: Taste pesto and adjust seasoning with salt, if needed. The acidity from the lemon juice and the richness of the olive oil should balance the robust flavors of the greens and garlic.
The 8 key healers in this recipe are:
Basil –High in cancer-fighting, and disease-fighting antioxidants, basil possesses anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and anti-microbial properties. Just 2 Tablespoons of fresh chopped basil contains 27 percent of the RDA of Vitamin K, which aids in healthy blood clotting. Unique, water-soluble flavonoids in basil protect cell structures and chromosomes from oxidative damage and radiation.
Spinach – High in antioxidants and folate, spinach is an anti-inflammatory food. It contains Vitamin A which is good for viral infections and mucous membranes, and Vitamin C which is good for connective tissue and a strong immune system. It’s also a calcium rich cancer fighter.
Kale – Kale contains omega 3 fatty acids which help fight autoimmune disorders. High in fiber, it makes for a great detox food. Per calorie, kale contains more iron than beef and more calcium than milk.
Garlic – Garlic not only increases antioxidant levels in the body, it acts as a natural antibiotic that can help flush toxins from the digestive system. Garlic contains called allicin, a sulphur containing compound that has anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties.
Olive Oil – Loaded with antioxidants, the predominant fatty acid in olive oil is oleic acid – one of the healthy monounsaturated fatty acids that can have a positive effect on our genes and help reduce inflammation.
Pine Nuts – Containing generous amounts of Vitamins E and K, pine nuts are great for cardiovascular health. They are also rich in Iron and magnesium which contribute to the production of energy in the body. They also contain immune supporting zinc.
Lemon Juice – The various acids in lemons, including ascorbic acid (Vitamin C), stimulate enzyme production in the digestive tract as well as improve the liver’s detoxification.
Himalayan Salt – Himalayan salt contains more than 84 minerals. One of these essential trace minerals is sodium which regulates cellular activity and nervous system function. It’s extremely important for enzyme operations, muscle contraction and relaxation, and regulation of body fluids.