Recipes using Balanced Bites spices Recipes using Balanced Bites spices

CILANTRO & MACADAMIA NUT PESTO

nightshade-free
dairy-free
egg-free
gluten-free

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

Ingredients

  • 1 large bunch of cilantro
  • 1 cup of raw macadamia nuts
  • 1 clove of garlic
  • 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • celtic sea salt to taste
  • pepper to taste

Instructions

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.

Notes

Variations and other ideas:

  • use basil instead of cilantro
  • use walnuts instead of macadamia nuts