High Protein & Oil-Free Basil Pesto

High Protein & Oil-Free Basil Pesto (have not tried this yet!)

This is far from a traditional tasting pesto, but it’s so delicious I couldn’t stop eating it! The navy beans replace the typical cup of oil in this pesto recipe, making it not only oil-free, but high in protein as well. Nutritional yeast adds a cheezy taste while packing protein and B12. Enjoy this pesto spread on sandwiches, pasta, or even use for a dip for vegetables or chips. Spoon feeding encouraged.
Yield: 1.5 cups (see below for nutritional info)
Ingredients:

• 1 cup tightly packed fresh basil leaves (don’t be shy- really pack it in!)
• 1 garlic clove
• 1 15-oz can navy/cannellini beans (1.5 cups)
• 1/4 cup pine nuts (Brown first in frying pan with a little oil!)
• 1 tbsp water
• 2-3 tbsp fresh lemon juice (1/2 lemon) I used 3 tbsp
• 1/2-3/4 tsp kosher salt (I used 3/4 tsp)
• You can add olive oil to taste if you prefer!

Directions: Add garlic clove to processor and process until finely chopped. Now add in the rest of the ingredients to taste and process until smooth, scraping down the bowl as necessary.

Nutritional Info: (per 2 tbsp): 10% fat!!