Spicy Cilantro Lime Pesto w Cashews

Who says basil should get all the pesto glory? I love to mix up pestos with all sorts of other fresh herbs … and cilantro has to be my #1 favorite. This zesty pesto goes well in anything Mexican: salsas, enchilada sauce, rice, beans … or slather it on chicken, fish, steak, burgers, quesadillas … it’s also great as a spread on sandwiches or to toss with noodles (or zoodles!).

I went to visit my parents last weekend and dad told me to take ALL the cilantro (he hates it … says it tastes like soap), so I chopped off all his plants to just a few leaves (because I would like them to grow back!) and then panicked a little inside wondering what I could DO with all that cilantro.

And then the answer came to me: pesto, of course! My son and I were making things with cashews (for his dad for father’s day), so it seemed only natural that the cashews got to join the party. I love how the cashews add a sort of creamy taste to the pesto (without any cream or cheese!)

It’s funny, this is kind of an anti-father’s day gift for my dad. I took away the soap plants from his garden. In case you were wondering: it is a scientifically proven thing: there is a certain percentage of the population for whom cilantro tastes like soap. Those few probably wouldn’t appreciate this pesto. For the rest of us, enjoy! I personally could eat this by the spoonful, which is awesome because cilantro has a ton of health benefits.

I know my dad lets this herb grow in his garden just for me and I really really really appreciate it, more than I can ever express in words. Thanks Dad. You’re the best.

Spicy Cilantro Lime Pesto w Cashews

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 1/2 cups fresh cilantro leaves & tender stems, packed
• 1 clove garlic
• 2 – 3 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• Juice of 1 small lime
• 2/3 cup chopped green onions (with tops)
• 1/3 cup roasted, salted cashews (or almonds)
• 1 – 2 Tablespoons or so of chopped jalapeno (more or less to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

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Instructions

1. Put all ingredients in a mini food processor and process until smooth, adding water as needed to get it to blend smoothly.
2. Freeze in small plastic containers. Add to salsas, soups, pastas, sauces, beans or rice or to add flavor to chicken, meat or fish dishes.

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Notes

RECIPE SOURCE: http://www.sumptuousspoonfuls.com/

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This recipe was shared at Foodie Friends Friday and Hearth & Soul Bloghop.