CILANTRO PESTO
My wonderful Mom introduced me to this recipe in July of 2005. I have loved making this because it is 1) so delicious 2) it's easy and 3) it's way less expensive than making basil pesto. Cilantro is inexpensive {YEAR ROUND} which makes this a delight anytime you so desire it. A great, fresh, healthy meal idea, especially when you want to impress your dinner guests!
This recipe was adapted from my Mom's Cilantro Pesto recipe ...aka all the other ingredients in the (parentheses).
Cilantro Pesto
2 bunches of fresh cilantro (or 1 1/2 c. cilantro leaves)
2 small/medium cloves garlic -- large cloves can compromise the entire flavor of the dish making it toooo garlicy
1/4 cup raw, unsalted sunflower seeds (or you can use pine nuts or walnuts)
1 tsp red chili flakes -- more or less depending on heat/ your spicy preference (or you can also use 1 small jalapeño)
1/2 c. fresh Parmesan cheese (or you can also use the bottle of Parm)
1/4 tsp. salt
Blend the above ingredients in food processor and then add:
2 Tbs. fresh lime juice (or 1Tbs. lemon and 1Tbs. lime)
While blending slowly add:
1-2 Tbs. olive oil.
Blend until well incorporated! Serve over pasta, on burritos, baked potatoes, or whatever suits your fancy!
I like to divide into smaller {glass} containers to freeze the extra for future consumption.
Enjoy. And, I think you will.
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