{"id":87724,"date":"2023-09-20T08:48:31","date_gmt":"2023-09-20T08:48:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bayevskitchen.com\/?p=87724"},"modified":"2023-09-20T08:48:34","modified_gmt":"2023-09-20T08:48:34","slug":"pumpkin-seed-pesto-pepita-pesto","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bayevskitchen.com\/pumpkin-seed-pesto-pepita-pesto\/","title":{"rendered":"Pumpkin Seed Pesto (Pepita Pesto)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Pumpkin seeds, also known as pepitas, offer a unique twist to the traditional pine nut pesto. They provide a nutty, earthy flavor that pairs wonderfully with basil and other pesto ingredients. This version is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients, thanks to the pumpkin seeds which are a great source of magnesium, iron, and protein.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ingredients<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
    \n
  1. 2 cups fresh basil leaves, packed<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. 1\/2 cup roasted pumpkin seeds (pepitas)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. 1\/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  4. 2-3 garlic cloves, peeled<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  5. 1\/2 cup extra virgin olive oil (plus additional if needed)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  6. Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  7. 1-2 tablespoons lemon juice (or to taste)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  8. Optional: 1\/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes for a touch of heat<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    Instructions<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Roasting Pumpkin Seeds<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    If your pumpkin seeds aren’t already roasted, you can quickly toast them in a dry skillet over medium heat. Stir or shake the pan occasionally to avoid burning. Once they’ve turned a golden color and give off a nutty aroma, remove from heat and allow them to cool.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Blending Ingredients<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    In a food processor or blender, combine the fresh basil, roasted pumpkin seeds, garlic cloves, and Parmesan cheese. Pulse several times until the mixture is coarsely chopped.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Adding Olive Oil<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    With the food processor or blender on, slowly pour the olive oil into the bowl in a steady stream. Continue blending until the mixture is fully combined and has a smooth texture. If the pesto is too thick, you can add a bit more olive oil to reach your desired consistency.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Seasoning<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Season your pumpkin seed pesto with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and lemon juice. If you want a touch of heat, add the optional red pepper flakes. Blend or stir to mix the seasonings in evenly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Storing and Serving<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Transfer the pesto to a bowl. If storing, you can place it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. A thin layer of olive oil on the surface can help preserve its vibrant color.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    🥗 What to serve with?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
      \n
    1. Roasted Butternut Squash<\/strong>: The sweetness and caramelized edges of roasted butternut squash can complement the earthy pumpkin seeds in the pesto. The shared autumnal vibes between squash and pumpkin seeds create a harmonious pairing.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    2. Grilled Polenta<\/strong>: Grilled polenta offers a crispy exterior and soft interior that becomes a great canvas for the pesto’s flavors. The mild corn taste of polenta serves as a grounding element against the rich pesto.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    3. Saut\u00e9ed Greens (like spinach or kale)<\/strong>: The slight bitterness of greens can contrast beautifully with the nutty richness of the pesto, providing a balanced bite.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    4. Toasted Baguette Slices<\/strong>: A simple toasted baguette can become an enticing appetizer when spread with Pumpkin Seed Pesto, allowing guests to truly savor the pesto’s unique flavor.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    5. Quinoa Salad<\/strong>: Quinoa, with its slightly nutty taste, resonates well with the pepitas in the pesto. Adding some roasted veggies and a light vinaigrette can further accentuate this pairing.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    6. Roasted Beets<\/strong>: Their inherent sweetness and earthiness tie in seamlessly with the deep flavors of the pesto. Plus, their vibrant color can make the plate visually appealing.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    7. Charred Brussels Sprouts<\/strong>: The caramelized, slightly bitter taste of charred Brussels sprouts creates an exciting flavor contrast with the pesto, ensuring a rich and varied palate experience.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    8. Grilled Portobello Mushrooms<\/strong>: The umami flavors of grilled Portobello mushrooms can stand up to and complement the robust flavors of the Pumpkin Seed Pesto.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

      Enjoy the delightful flavors of this alternative pesto, where the earthy notes of pumpkin seeds elevate the classic dish to new culinary heights!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

      Pumpkin seeds, also known as pepitas, offer a unique twist to the traditional pine nut pesto. They provide a nutty, earthy flavor that pairs wonderfully with basil and other pesto ingredients. This version is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients, thanks to the pumpkin seeds which are a great source of magnesium, iron, … <\/p>\n

      Get Recipe<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":87730,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"wprm-recipe-roundup-name":"","wprm-recipe-roundup-description":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[958],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/bayevskitchen.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/87724"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/bayevskitchen.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/bayevskitchen.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bayevskitchen.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bayevskitchen.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=87724"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/bayevskitchen.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/87724\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bayevskitchen.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/87730"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/bayevskitchen.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=87724"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bayevskitchen.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=87724"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bayevskitchen.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=87724"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}