Homemade Broccoli Pesto (Vegan, Nut-Free, Gluten-Free)
This homemade broccoli pesto is vegan, gluten-free, nut-free, oil-free, dairy-free, and made without basil & parmesan cheese. Make this easy sauce in less than 15 minutes at home.
Equipment
- Microwave (OR blanch the florets on stovetop)
- Blender ( I use ninja foodie blender))
Ingredients
For steaming broccoli florets
- 250 gram broccoli 1 medium head of broccoli
- 2 tbsp water
For pesto sauce
- 4 garlic garlic pods
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 jalapeno
- 2 tbsp lemon juice freshly squeezed
- 1/4 cup water 2 tbsp extra in case mixture won't move in the jar
- 1/4 cup parsley for substitute check variations
- 2 tbsp sunflower seeds for substitute check variations
Instructions
Prepare & steam broccoli
- First, cut the broccoli head into small florets and wash them nicely. Rinse it properly. Transfer the florets to a microwaveable bowl and add 2 tbsp water. Microwave them for 2 mins and keep them ready.250 gram broccoli
Blend & serve
- Add steamed broccoli, garlic, lemon juice, salt, parsley, jalapeno, and water to the blender jar. Blend it till you get a smooth paste. Add 2 tbsp of water in case the mixture does not move.Vegan nut-free broccoli pesto is ready to enjoy.2 tbsp water, 4 garlic, 1/2 tsp salt, 1 jalapeno, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 1/4 cup water, 1/4 cup parsley, 2 tbsp sunflower seeds
Notes
Variations
- Herbs- Traditionally pesto is prepared using basil leaves. But have fun with using any of the herbs like cilantro, mint, parsley, chives.
- Nuts or no nuts- Pine nuts are used in general. But almond, cashew, walnut, and pecan also works fine. If you like to make pesto without nuts then replace nuts with any seeds like sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds.
- Frozen broccoli- If fresh is not available then frozen broccoli is also good to use. Just thaw it before using it. No need to blanch or steam.
- Parmesan cheese- This is another classic ingredient in traditionally made basil pesto. However, you can replace it with nutritional yeast or just eliminate it from the recipe. Being vegetarian I do not use it or prefer vegan parmesan cheese.
Nutrition
Calories: 12kcalCarbohydrates: 1gProtein: 1gFat: 1gSaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 63mgPotassium: 56mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 149IUVitamin C: 14mgCalcium: 9mgIron: 1mg
Tried this recipe?Mention @thefitmealideas or tag #thefitmealideas. I would LOVE to see your creations!
