Pesto

Spaghetti with Pesto, pictured with
Garlic Wilted Spinach and
Baked Cannellini, Zucchini & Peppers 

Makes 1 1/2 cups pesto, for 1 pound pasta

• 1/4 cup raw pine nuts, toasted if desired
• Handful raw almonds or walnuts
• 1 1/2 tablespoons nutritional yeast flakes
• 1 packed cup fresh basil leaves (or other leafy green such as spinach, cilantro, arugula, etc.)
• 1 clove garlic, crushed
• 1/8 teaspoon salt or to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 3/8 cup extra-virgin olive oil

In a food processor pulse nuts and yeast until a crumbly meal is formed. Add basil, garlic, salt, pepper, and 1/3 of the olive oil. Puree, scraping down the sides as needed. With the motor running, drizzle remaining oil until fully incorporated and mixture is smooth. Taste and adjust seasonings.