Thursday, January 16, 2014

Zucchini Noodles with Nut and Seed Free Pesto (Vegan)

I just love this food. It is fresh, tasty, raw and full of nutrients. You can eat it as a side or even as a full meal. The zucchini noodles can be eaten raw or lightly steamed.

The easiest way to make zucchini noodles is with a spiral vegetable slicer. I own the Paderno one (this one http://amzn.to/1AOm2c8 ). I bought it once for myself as a gift when my husband was on a long business trip and I needed cheering up. 

I am fond of this gadget because it is easy to use, you don't need to plug it in (just use your arm power!) and even the kids can do it (they also think it is incredibly fun).

Pesto
AIP, paleo, vegan, nut/seed free

About a cupful of fresh basil leaves packed tight
About a cupful of fresh spinach, also packed tight

1 tsp salt (or to taste)
1 tbsp nutritional yeast
2 cloves of garlic
1/2 cup olive oil (or replace some of it with water if you don't want it so oily)
(Black pepper is optional)

Mix everything in a blender or food processor. Don't overdo it, the consistency doesn't have to be smooth like a smoothie. Mix with the zucchini noodles.

TIP: This makes more than you might need. Freeze the rest in small proportions for later use.

PS. I have been thinking in the last few days how people often react strongly to the term "paleo" and you hear all kinds of criticism. I am wondering if we could just call it "real food that makes you feel good"?

4 comments:

  1. I have a spiral vegetable slicer, I've never tried pesto on the noodles though, good idea! I agree about the word "paleo".

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    1. It is good as leftovers too when the flavors have soaked in and the noodles softened a bit. My little one liked to take the centers that were left overs from the slicer and dip them in the pesto. :)

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  2. Sirpa, Your blog is wonderful. I am excited to follow your posts. Kristin Petherbridge gave me a vegetable spiral slicer for Christmas and I am looking forward to trying your recipe. We grow a lot of heirloom, organic zucchini every year, and this seems perfect. I will probably do the lightly steamed ones, since I find that when the vegetables are lightly cooked they tend to release a bit more flavor, in my opinion. Thank you! ♥

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    1. Wonderful! I might prefer the slightly steamed zucchini noodles too after some experimenting, I have to say! Thanks for visiting!

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