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Kale Yeah Pesto

Servings 2 cups
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Ingredients
  

  • 4 cups kale veins removed, packed
  • 1 1/2 cups basil fresh, loosely packed
  • 1/2 cup almonds roasted
  • 3 cloves garlic pressed or chopped
  • 2 Tbsp lemon juice
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 oz Parmesan cheese chunked (or if you bought shredded, as is)

Instructions
 

  • If your almonds aren't roasted yet, chop slightly and roast in a 350 degree oven for about 10 minutes. Allow to cool before making the pesto.
  • In a food processor, combine kale, basil, almonds, garlic, lemon juice and salt. Combine until a chunky mass is made. You may have to stop the motor and scrap the sides down a few times. If it feels like you're spinning your wheels, move on to the next step.
  • Add cheese. Place lid back on and remove the little plug on the lid. Turn on the motor and slowly pour the olive oil into the food processor through the open spot in the lid.
  • Process until desired consistency.
  • Keeps in the fridge for a week or you can freeze it for up to 3 months.

Notes

Other Thoughts:
  • You can use other nuts, if you prefer. I have made it with walnuts. Classic pesto is made from pine nuts. I feel like sunflower seeds might be good to! Use whatever you like and have on hand.
  • Use on pasta, sandwiches, grilled cheese, pizza, eggs.... really anything goes here.
  • Omit the cheese for dairy free, it's still pretty darn legit.
  • Buy a good block of Parmesan cheese for the flavor to knock your socks off. Stay away from the pre-shredded cheese if you can - it has things added to it so it doesn't stick together - not ideal for pesto.
How-to-Use:
Athletes: Bring on the antioxidants and repair those muscles. Make the most of all your meals by adding in healthy fats, antioxidants, and a variety of phytochemicals from fruits, veggies, nuts and seeds, and those same healthy fats. Bet you know what's coming..... this kale pesto has you covered! Don't forget your friend - the healthy fats!
Healthy Eating: Salads can get super boring and feel monotonous. Grab your greens and process them down into this kale pesto and get your veggies in a totally new and satisfying way. Who said healthy eating has to be boring and flavorless?! Promise I never did.
Kids: Get those kiddos involved! My fabulous helper sunk his teeth into a stalk of kale and proclaimed 'yuck!' - by far my least favorite 'food' related word, but he tried it! And, we'll keep trying it in different forms to develop a likeness. Exposure is a huge piece of developing diverse eaters. Just because we got a 'yuck' today, doesn't mean it will never be a yum.