Posted in Easy Recipes, Gluten and Gluten Free, paleo | 0 Comments
Easy Recipe: Cilantro & Macadamia Nut Pesto
Fresh herbs are a fantastic way to add tons of flavor to a meal while adding health benefits as well.
The flavors and spices I cook with can certainly become a bit ho-hum and boring. I grab the same 4 or 5 bottles of spices pretty much all the time. Currently I blame my lack of cable tv and inspiration from the Food Network that I used to love so much. Sigh. But this week I was lucky enough to have a big bunch of cilantro sitting in my fridge, waiting for me to use it up from my CSA that came last week.
Some of the health benefits of cilantro include:
- Powerful anti-inflammatory capacities that may help symptoms of arthritis
- Protective agents against bacterial infection from Salmonella in food products
- Acts to increase HDL cholesterol (the good kind), and reduces LDL cholesterol (the bad kind)
- Relief for stomach gas, prevention of flatulence and an overall digestive aid
- Wards off urinary tract infections
- Helps reduce feelings of nausea
- Eases hormonal mood swings associated with menstruation
- Has been shown to reduce menstrual cramping.
- Adds fiber to the digestive tract
- A source of iron, magnesium, and is helpful in fighting anemia
- Gives relief for diarrhea, especially if caused by microbial or fungal infections
- Helps promote healthy liver function.
- Reduces minor swelling
- Strong general anti-oxidant properties
- Disinfects and helps detoxify the body
Cilantro & Macadamia Nut Pesto:
This recipe is my solution for 1) a bunch of cilantro that was starting to wilt in my fridge 2) a way to make a new sauce for my meats and to eat lots of a healthy herb at once… enjoy!
1 large bunch of cilantro
1 cup of raw macadamia nuts
1 clove of garlic
1/2c extra virgin olive oil
celtic sea salt to taste
pepper to taste
Combine all ingredients in a food processor and blend until they become a pasty texture. You can add more or less olive oil if you want the pesto to be a bit more firm or softer.
Variations and other ideas:
- use basil instead of cilantro
- use walnuts instead of macadamia nuts
What other great pesto recipes do you have? Share them in the comments below!
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About the author
Diane Sanfilippo
BS, Certified Nutrition Consultant, C.H.E.K. Holistic Lifestyle Coach is a San Francisco-based Nutritionist & Paleo Nutritionist serving the Bay Area and beyond (US & international) via phone, Skype consultations and nutrition seminars.
Author of “The Practical Paleo Nutrition Guide Book.” An 80-Page eBook guide to making a Paleo diet easy! Filled with tips, tricks, meal planning tools and recipes.
Creator of The 21-Day Sugar Detox “The 21-Day Sugar Detox.” Bust sugar and carb cravings in 21 days with the help and support of a community who is all in it together!
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