Nettles & Basil Pesto
Some greens don’t garnish. They guard.
Nettles & Basil Pesto
This isn’t your garden-variety pesto—it’s fierce and earthy, with wild nettles and fragrant basil spun together in a potion of green strength. Nettles bring deep nourishment, basil brings brightness, and together they taste like something stolen from the edge of a druid’s kitchen.
Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh nettle leaves (blanched)
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves
- 1/4 cup sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds
- 2–3 cloves garlic
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- Salt to taste
- Optional: 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast or grated parmesan
- Optional: splash of cold water for texture
How The Alchemy Happens
Blanch the nettles in boiling water for 1 minute to remove the sting. Drain and cool.
In a food processor, combine blanched nettles, basil, seeds, garlic, and lemon juice.
Blend while streaming in olive oil. Add a splash of water if needed for consistency.
Stir in nutritional yeast or cheese, if using. Season to taste.
Store in a jar in the fridge for up to a week—or freeze in cubes for future spells.
Not all healing is soft. Some comes green and roaring.