Pasta al Pesto de Almendras

Pasta al Pesto de Almendras is a vibrant and delicious vegan dish that combines the nuttiness of almonds with fresh basil, resulting in a rich and creamy sauce. This Spanish-inspired pasta is not only packed with flavor but also offers a delightful twist on traditional pesto.

Ingredients

• Pasta (spaghetti or any preferred type) - 160 grams
• Almonds (raw, unsalted) - 50 grams
• Fresh basil leaves - 30 grams
• Garlic - 2 cloves
• Nutritional yeast - 2 tablespoons
• Olive oil - 60 ml
• Lemon juice - 1 tablespoon
• Salt - to taste
• Black pepper - to taste
• Cherry tomatoes (for garnish) - 100 grams

Steps

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
2. While the pasta is cooking, prepare the pesto by placing the almonds, fresh basil leaves, garlic, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt and black pepper in a food processor.
3. Blend the ingredients while slowly adding the olive oil until a smooth paste is formed. Adjust seasoning as needed.
4. Once the pasta is cooked, reserve a cup of pasta water and drain the rest.
5. In the pot, combine the drained pasta with the almond pesto, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time to achieve desired creaminess.
6. Serve immediately, garnished with halved cherry tomatoes and a drizzle of olive oil.

Nutrition

• Calories: 550
• Protein: 15 g
• Carbs: 70 g
• Fiber: 7 g
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Cholesterol: 0 mg
• Total Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Water: 0.5 L

Health Benefits

• Rich in healthy fats from almonds, promoting heart health.
• High in fiber and plant-based protein, supporting digestive health.

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