ByLauren - Yoga & Wellness

Charred Broccoli Pesto: Tasty Ayurvedic Snack

Charred Broccoli Pesto is a seriously delicious treat that stands beautifully as a snack or adds flavor to pasta, salads, roasted potatoes, or quinoa. This easy recipe is a feast for your taste buds and a celebration of health and versatility.

How to make it:

Ingredients:

1 cup-ish broccoli floret pieces
½ cup fresh basil
⅓ cup extra-virgin olive oil
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon lemon zest
2 tablespoons pumpkin seeds (raw)
2 tablespoons macadamia nuts (raw) or any other nuts you like
Pinch cayenne pepper
½ teaspoon sea salt
Freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoons water

Method:

Throw the broccoli florets into a piping hot pan to char them. Remove from heat.
Add the remaining ingredients in a blender, followed by the charred broccoli.
Blitz to the desired consistency, adjusting the water to suit your preference. We used Black Hawaiian salt for a unique twist, adding a bit less and preferring a slightly chunky texture.

Recipe Note:

You can substitute nuts or seeds to suit your pantry or dietary requirements. Feel free to adjust the recipe as your intuition guides you.

Health Benefits:

Dosha Suitability: This pesto is particularly beneficial for balancing Pitta dosha due to its cooling properties. The broccoli and basil help pacify excess heat and acidity in the body.
Broccoli's Bounty: Broccoli is a nutritional powerhouse, rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. It supports overall health, boosts immunity, and aids digestion.
Pumpkin Seeds and Macadamia Nuts: These ingredients bring a dose of healthy fats and protein, leading to long-lasting energy and nourishment.
Digestive Balance: Combining fresh lemon juice and cayenne pepper aids digestion and metabolism.
Adaptable and Intuitive: The recipe's flexibility allows you to tailor it to your unique preferences and dietary needs, aligning with Ayurveda's emphasis on intuitive and personalized wellness.

Bon Appétit! 🤌