Selenium-Rich Brazil Nut Pesto
This vibrant, dairy-free Brazil Nut Pesto offers a nutritious twist on the classic, packed with selenium from Brazil nuts, fresh basil, garlic, and rich olive oil. It's a versatile and flavorful sauce perfect for enhancing a variety of dishes.
For 6 servings
Wash and thoroughly dry the fresh basil leaves. Peel the garlic clove.
In the bowl of a food processor, combine the Brazil nuts, fresh basil leaves, peeled garlic clove, nutritional yeast (if using), sea salt, and black pepper.
Pulse the mixture several times until the ingredients are finely chopped and resemble a coarse meal. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
Add the fresh lemon juice. With the food processor running on low speed, slowly stream in the extra virgin olive oil until the pesto is smooth and creamy. The consistency should be thick but pourable.
Taste the pesto and adjust seasoning as necessary, adding more salt, pepper, or lemon juice to your preference.
Transfer the pesto to an airtight container. If not using immediately, pour a thin layer of olive oil over the surface to prevent oxidation and keep it vibrant green.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For enhanced flavor, lightly toast the Brazil nuts in a dry pan over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until fragrant before adding them to the food processor. Let them cool completely.
- 2If your pesto is too thick, add a tablespoon of water or a little more olive oil until it reaches your desired consistency. If it's too thin, add a few more Brazil nuts or a bit more nutritional yeast.
- 3To keep the pesto fresh and vibrant green for longer, press a piece of plastic wrap directly onto the surface before sealing the container, or pour a thin layer of olive oil on top.
- 4Use a smaller food processor for best results, as a larger one might struggle to properly blend the ingredients if you're making a single batch.
Adapt it for your goals.
Herb Swap
Replace half of the basil with fresh parsley, cilantro, or arugula for a different flavor profile. Arugula will add a peppery kick.
Nut/Seed SwapNut/Seed Swap
While Brazil nuts are key for selenium, you can experiment with other nuts like walnuts or cashews, or seeds like pumpkin seeds, for varying textures and nutritional benefits.
Spicy KickSpicy Kick
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the food processor along with the other ingredients for a subtle heat.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Selenium
Brazil nuts are one of the richest dietary sources of selenium, an essential trace mineral vital for thyroid function, immune health, and antioxidant defense.
Heart-Healthy Fats
The extra virgin olive oil and Brazil nuts provide monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, which are beneficial for heart health and can help reduce bad cholesterol levels.
Antioxidant Powerhouse
Fresh basil, garlic, and olive oil are all rich in antioxidants, which help combat free radicals in the body, reducing oxidative stress and inflammation.
Frequently asked questions
When stored in an airtight container with a thin layer of olive oil on top, Brazil Nut Pesto can last for up to 5-7 days in the refrigerator.
