Black Garlic Vegan Pesto
Want to make the best Black Garlic Vegan Pesto? You’re in the right place! Get ready to elevate your dishes with a vegan twist on classic pesto, infused with the umami richness of black garlic. This recipe isn’t just about flavor; it’s about nourishing your body with wholesome ingredients that satisfy and energize you. This black garlic vegan pesto comes together effortlessly with just a handful of ingredients, promising a burst of flavor in every spoonful. If you are just one of those pesto lovers try my Whole Wheat Pasta and Pesto Recipe.
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As someone who values flavor and nourishment, this black garlic vegan pesto has become a beloved staple in my kitchen. Whether I’m tossing it with pasta for a quick weeknight dinner or spreading it on sandwiches for a leisurely picnic, its versatility and depth of flavor never cease to amaze me, sharing this recipe with my family and friends brings me joy, knowing that I’m spreading kindness one delicious bite at a time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe Black Garlic Vegan Pesto
• Vegan: Suitable for vegans and Vegetarians
• Easy to Make: Simple preparation
• Doesn’t Repeat on the Breath: Leaves no unpleasant aftertaste
• Dairy-Free: Contains no dairy products
• Only 7 Ingredients
• Versatile: Can be added to many dishes, adaptable, and complements various dishes
• Protein-Packed: The pine nuts make the sauce high in protein
• High in Antioxidants: Contains antioxidants due to the black garlic
• Gluten-Free
• Soy-Free
• Made in 6 Minutes: Quick preparation
In this recipe, we marry the vibrant greens of basil leaves with the unique savory notes of black garlic, creating a pesto that’s as visually stunning as it is delicious. As you gather your ingredients, select fresh basil leaves, vibrant in color and aroma, to serve as the foundation of your pesto. With the addition of pine nuts for creaminess, nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor, and a touch of lemon juice for brightness, each component plays a vital role in achieving the perfect balance of flavors.
Ingredient Notes
A complete list of ingredients, measurements, and instructions can be found in the RECIPE CARD below
• Fresh basil leaves: Vibrant in color and delivering all that aroma, they serve as the foundation of your pesto.
• Pine nuts: Adding creaminess and protein.
• Nutritional yeast: Provides that cheesy flavor and is rich in Vitamin B12, an important nutrient for vegans.
• Lemon juice: Adds a tangy touch.
• Black garlic: With its fermented umami flavor, it gives the pesto an exclusive taste unlike any other.
Visual Step-by-Step Instructions
- ADD INGREDIENTS: Add the basil, black garlic, oil, and pine nuts to the blender.
- REMAINING INGREDIENTS: Add the salt and nutritional yeast.
- REASY TO BLEND: View ingredients in blender.
- BLEND: Blend the ingredients.
5. BLEND: The ingredients are ready to blend.
6. FINAL BLENDED PESTO: The blended pesto with two extra chopped black garlic cloves sprinkled on the top.
How to Use Vegan Pesto
There are many ways to use this ORIGINAL vegan pesto! These ideas are a great place to start:
Toss it onto a good Roasted Vegetable Salad.
Or, replace the guacamole for the pesto with the Deluxe Sweet Potato Chips
Replace the traditional pesto with the black garlic pesto in my Whole Wheat Pata Recipe.
How do you like to use your vegan pesto? Let me know in the comments below!
Recommended Tools
• A good reliable blender.
While basil is the traditional star of pesto, feel free to experiment with other leafy greens such as spinach or arugula for a unique twist on this classic recipe. Additionally, if you’re allergic to nuts or if you prefer a nut-free option, consider substituting pine nuts with sunflower seeds r or pumpkin seeds. For those seeking a lighter version of pesto, you can also swap out some or all of the olive oil with plant-based milk for a creamy yet oil-free alternative.
Storage Tips
To prolong the freshness of your black garlic vegan pesto, transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. Alternatively, freeze individual portions in ice cube trays for convenient use whenever the craving strikes. Just remember to thaw before enjoying!
Storing your pesto in small portions ensures you have just the right amount for each use, minimizing waste.
Please refer to the FDA Food Storage Guidelines for more information.
Top Tip
For an extra burst of flavor, toast your pine nuts before blending them into the pesto. This simple step enhances their nutty taste and adds depth to the overall flavor profile of the dish.
FAQs
Curious about the origins of black garlic or wondering if this recipe can be made without nuts? You’re not alone! Check out our FAQs section for answers to common questions about black garlic, pesto ingredients, and substitutions. Whether you’re a seasoned pesto enthusiast or a curious newcomer, we’re here to guide you through every step of the process.
1. Are black garlic capsules good for you?
Yes, they offer a concentrated dose of antioxidants and other beneficial compounds found in black garlic.
◦ Yes, black garlic cloves are soft due to the fermentation process they undergo.
Black garlic is fermented through a process of low heat and high humidity over several weeks to months, resulting in its distinctive color, flavor, and texture.
Black garlic has a unique flavor profile that is often described as sweet, savory, and slightly tangy with hints of molasses, balsamic vinegar, and garlic undertones. Its taste is mellow and complex, lacking the sharpness and pungency of raw garlic.
Yes, black garlic has more antioxidants than regular garlic.
6. How long does black garlic keep?
Black garlic can typically be kept for several months when stored in a cool, dry place
Yes, pesto can be made without nuts. Instead of nuts, you can use alternatives like seeds (such as sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds) or omit them entirely for a nut-free version.
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RECIPE CARD
Black Garlic Vegan Pesto
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 cup of fresh basil leaves
- 4-5 black garlic cloves
- ¼ teaspoon of salt
- 50 ml of extra virgin olive oil
- 50 grams of pine nuts (4 TABLE SPOONS)
- 1 tablespoon of nutritional yeast
- 2 tablespoons of lemon juice
Instructions
- Clean the basil leaves thoroughly, removing any tough stems.
- In a blender or food processor, combine the basil leaves, black garlic cloves, salt, olive oil, pine nuts, nutritional yeast, and lemon juice.
- Blend until smooth, scraping down the sides as needed, until you achieve a thick paste-like consistency.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary, adding more salt or lemon juice to suit your preference. Chop a black clove or two and sprinkle on top of the pesto, this is optional and only for decoration.
- Transfer the pesto to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator until ready to use. Enjoy tossed with pasta, spread on sandwiches, or drizzled over roasted vegetables.
Notes & Suggestions
Nutrition Profile
The Nutritional information is an estimate and has been calculated automatically per serving, The amount of sodium depends on the salt used.
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This was the first time I had eaten black garlic and I loved the flavor together with basil and nutricional yeast.
Thank you Lucia, It is really amazing black garlic, has a wonderful flavor.