PUMPKIN SEED PESTO IS YOUR NEW DINNERTIME BFF
EK: If you told me a month ago that I was going to ditch my “Italian” pine-nut, basil pesto for a pumpkin-seed, basil and arugula pesto, I would have laughed at the idea.
But when Anthony created this pesto that is both vibrant in color and taste, and sent me a photo of him making a chicken wrap using it, I knew that I had to make it ASAP.
I made it the very next day, took one bite and said, “I’ll never make any other pesto recipe.” #truth
AU: Well, color me honored! I do agree, though. There’s something about it that’s just so spot on. And also, no expensive pine nuts to buy! The sprouted pumpkin seeds just have a nutty, mellow flavor that complements the basil and arugula…
EK: Here’s the video that Anthony sent me (below). Then let me know if you would have opened InstaCart and ordered the ingredients STAT like I did!
EK: It is so fresh and flavorful. Sometimes traditional basil pesto (“genovese”) can end up a little gritty and a little oily. This tastes like summer in the middle of winter!
It’s weird but the addition of arugula makes the basil taste more basil-y. And the Happiness Foods sprouted pumpkin seeds are so crunchy and emulsify so smoothly in the mixture.
The first thing I made was the chicken and cucumber wrap that you see in Anthony’s reel. But then I had to try it with pasta. I made some excellent bronze-cut pasta in really salty water and tossed it with the pesto and a little pasta water. Mamma Mia! Chef’s Kiss, :) This is my new favorite pasta sauce. It’s perfect for those times that you want the comfort of pasta but don’t want a heavy meal.
And, it is the first time that I have ever made pesto pasta that I didn’t add extra cheese, it honestly didn’t need it!
AU: If I’m being honest, I add the extra cheese. Sometimes I’ll season and boil my pasta water, and add some haricot vert (or small green beans) to it before I drop the pasta. I shock them in ice water, and then cut them into bite-sized pieces. Green beans, snap peas, and english peas are all fantastic additions, if you’re looking to gild the lily…
You can, of course, use any pepitas or pumpkin seeds you like, but we are partial to our Happiness Foods Sprouted Pumpkin Seeds.
EK: Pumpkin Seeds are full of fiber and plant-based protein, zinc, magnesium and all nine essential amino acids, but sprouting them makes them easier to digest and more bioavailable, meaning your body absorbs more of the nutrients in them. If you’d like to purchase some Happiness Foods Sprouted Pumpkin Seeds, just click the link and enter DISCOUNT CODE: W4D10 for 10% off!
AU: I think this will be my go-to pesto from now on, too! Recipe PDF is under the pic below. Enjoy!!
The chicken wrap is going to be my summer beach favorite! (Hint, hint)
Mine too!!!