Basil pesto is a mouthwatering sauce that is most commonly seen at Italian restaurants. Tasty pesto is also added to antipasto, hearty stews, and even soups. That’s because basil is a staple in the Mediterranean diet along with all of the other ingredients of pesto including Extra Virgin Olive Oil and nuts. So, it is very common that you might see basil pesto on the menu where Italian cuisine is enjoyed as it has been used for thousands of years for both its fresh, clean flavor and medicinal value. One of the best things about any basil pesto recipe is that it is simple easy to make.
Dr. Gundry has fallen in love with this traditional sauce and now you can too! All you need is the simple 3-ingredient recipe for Dr. Gundry’s Plant Paradox Approved Basil Pesto, and you’re ready to add this potent and versatile herb to any of your favorite recipes. And just as a note of caution…be prepared for just how many uses there are for this delicious pesto! You might be surprised to find that it works in smoothies, juices, baked goods, and so much more.
Did you know that you can make just one batch of Dr. Gundry’s Basil Pesto and freeze it for use any time of the year? It’s true! You can make one batch and then plop the mixture into ice trays. Toss the tray in the freezer so you always have Dr. Gundry’s Basil Pesto ready for any recipe that calls for an extra pop of flavor and rich green color.
What’s Inside Dr. Gundry’s Basil Pesto Recipe?
Basil pesto can be made many ways, but Dr. Gundry has selected only the finest ingredients for his basil pesto recipe. All of the ingredients are Plant Paradox Approved and can be purchased at any local market.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO)
Olive oil is an ideal cooking oil because of its peppery and slightly bitter flavor. It is also a well-known superfood! EVOO contains loads of nutrients including essential vitamins and minerals like vitamins K and E, iron, sodium, calcium, and potassium.1 Beyond that, EVOO also contains a rare type of protective antioxidants known as polyphenols. One of the most notable of these is called oleocanthal – said to reduce inflammation even in those with autoimmune issues.2
Olive oil is also found in many heart-healthy diets because it has been shown to offer a potent source of a unique fatty acid known as omega-9 or oleic acid. This compound is great news for those suffering with hypertension, as it known to help regulate blood pressure.3
Basil
Basil is a member of the mint family and offers a refreshing flavor to anything you add it to. It also offers a plethora of major health benefits. Just check out the nutritional profile of basil: essential nutrients like vitamin A, vitamin K, vitamin C, iron, potassium, and calcium.4
And that’s not all…basil has been credited with many benefits to overall health due to its other capabilities:
- Anti-Microbial – Microbes come in many shapes, and sizes and while all of them are needed for balanced human life, some of these little buggers can harm your good health. However, basil helps to combat a variety of potentially harmful microbes including viruses, bacteria, yeast, and mold.5
- Anti-Aging Antioxidants – Oxidation is a process that can be triggered by many factors including UV rays from the sun, environmental pollutants, cigarette smoke, or even exercise. This process has been linked to oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction that may cause many signs of premature aging.6
- Cardiovascular Function – Because magnesium is found inside basil in large amounts, it is known to be a great addition to a heart healthy menu. Magnesium is a nutrient shown in clinical trials to help regulate blood pressure as well as muscle contractions, especially in that of the heart muscle.7
- Stimulating – Because basil is a member of the mint family, it also offers some of the same stimulating and refreshing properties. With a sweeter fragrance and flavor than mint, basil and its extracts offer a range of antioxidants such as terpenoids, flavonoids, and tannins able to improve memory and boost your good mood!8,9
Pine Nuts
While basil pesto can be made with any nut including almonds or walnuts, pine nuts have been shown in recent clinical trials to offer some very powerful and potent anti-inflammatory abilities!10
More on Lectins: Spread the word about Dr. Gundry’s Lectin Shield on Pinterest
Dr. Gundry’s Basil Pesto Recipe
Here you go! This is the way to make the best Basil pesto recipe, designed by Dr. Gundry so you can get the most flavor and health benefits out of your pesto.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves, rinsed, and chopped
- ½ cup freshly grated parmesan (don’t skimp here with quality)
- ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
- ⅓ cup toasted pine nuts
- 2 cloves garlic, peeled, and rinsed
- Sea salt, added to taste
Directions:
Making the best pesto is simple! Just take the basil leaves from any fresh plant and rinse them off. You may choose to add a spritz of lemon juice or vinegar to clean off any dirt or pesticide residue. To make the pesto, toss the clean basil and the rest of the ingredients into a blender including grated aged parmesan cheese, garlic, pine nuts, and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. Then, pulse until well combined.
Next, take a look at the pesto to see if you like the texture. If you desire a smoother pesto, add in more olive oil and turn the blender on low or just pulse it until you reach the texture you want.
And that’s it! It’s really THAT easy to make the best basil pesto recipe that is 100% Plant Paradox Approved by Dr. Gundry. So, why wait to try it? There are so many ways to use pesto in your kitchen and in your favorite recipes!
Conclusion
If you want to learn more about Dr. Gundry, the Plant Paradox, lectins, or Lectin Shield, click here. There’s a lot of information out there regarding lectin and Lectin Shield, but this is great blog that information on both of them.