There are a lot of varieties of pesto out there, but this one is by far my favorite. It’s great for your brain health too, which is why I’m calling it my “unforgettable” pesto!

What makes a pesto a pesto is the combination of oil, basil, parmesan and nuts. All blended together to make a lovely sauce that you can put over pasta, on pizza, on toast, or even on potatoes. Really, the possibilities are endless. It’s a healthy sauce that’s not hard to make if you have a blender and five minutes, so why not put it on anything and everything you fancy?

Here’s what you’ll need to make one big batch of pesto:

• 8 cups of fresh basil leaves, stems removed
• 5 cloves of garlic
• 1/2 cup of extra virgin olive oil
• 1/2 cup walnuts
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese

To make, just pop the ingredients in a blender or food processor and blend away until you have a nice smooth texture. Use it as a dip, sauce or spread on anything and everything you like.

Wondering what makes it healthy? Well, pretty much everything in there is great for you. Basil is packed with Vitamin K, and other nutrients like manganese, magnesium, and even Omega-3s.

It’s also a powerful anti-inflammatory, which helps prevent all kinds of health issues. Garlic is also a wonderful anti-inflammatory food, and it’s associated with cancer prevention, as well as increased digestive and cardiovascular health.

Walnuts are packed with Omega-3 fats, which help protect and nourish the brain. Olive oil is also well known for its anti-inflammatory properties. And the parmesan…well, it’s mostly there for the taste, haha. But it will contribute a bit of calcium to the overall healthy package.

Hungry yet? I am.

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Editor: Travis May

Photo: Wikimedia Commons