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Cauliflower & Pea Pesto



I used to make my pesto in my mini chopper. Herbs, garlic, nuts, parmesan and olive oil.

It could handle it ok, but I decided to try something different with  my new toy and it was so much smoother and blended much quicker.

I was thinking about raw vegetables and all the nutrients that would be retained if I didn't cook them first. I settled on cauliflower and peas.

I was very happy with the results. A velvety smooth  and tasty pesto that coated pasta beautifully. And, more importantly, it met with approval from my two year old and my newly vegan husband. Of course, if you don't have a vegan in the house, feel free to add parmesan (veggie style of course).



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Cauliflower & Pea Pesto
A beautiful, velvety green pesto, packed with flavours and nutrients. Made in minutes.
Ingredients
  • ½ small cauliflower
  • 128g/1 cup frozen peas
  • 25g/1 cup fresh basil
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 1 cup/240ml olive oil
  • a good grinding of black pepper
Instructions
1. Cut your cauliflower into florets and peel your garlic.2. Pop all the ingredients in your blender and whizz until your pesto is velvety smooth. 3. Have a taste and check the seasoning.4. Serve over hot pasta. Spread on toasted bruschetta, panini or ciabatta and topped with salad or veg and feta or fresh milky mozzarella. Alternatively, add more olive oil and use as a salad dressing.notes: If you prefer a chunkier pesto, then stop blending once it reaches your desired thickness.You can also add some grated parmesan for extra flavour.
Details
Total time:
Yield: Serves 4


Some more pesto for you to try:



I use the Optimum 9400 power blender. I was sent one for review and couldn't like without it now. I love it.

37 comments

  1. Gosh that does look good and the colour is so vibrant too. Have fun with your new toy!

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    1. It is a beautiful colour. Very pleasing and I do love my new toy :)

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  2. Vegan "parmesan" is the only vegan cheese substitute that I really like - probably because it doesn't have to capture the texture (or melting), just the taste.

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    1. I haven't tried the vegan one, but I must get a hold of it for my hubby. I use the vegetarian type from Sainsburys or Bookhams Farm.

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  3. I am jealous - recently I saw the level on my mini blender that I should keep ingredients below - mine is always overfull and we are making smoothies so often that I am sure I would use your sort of blender a lot - I would also love your dip - if only I hadn't used my money in other ways lately :-(

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    1. I know, I was so lucky to be given one. Don't think I could have scrapped together enough money for one, for some time.

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  4. OH I am so envious and what a GREAT recipe too - for playing with your new toy!

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  5. Gosh Jac, what a fantastic new toy. Love the colour of your pesto and it looks delicious. A vegan husband sounds like a bit of a challenge - eek!

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    1. It is a bit of a challenge sometimes. Although a lot of my dishes are ok for him. I offered to make him vegan chocolate cake tonight and he turned me down. Sheesh!

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  6. I think you need an emulsifier in there - a teaspoon of mustard, perhaps - so that the oil doesn't separate from the watery veg.

    Glad you have some new kitchen gadgets!

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    1. It was fine actually, just a bit at the edges. It tasted great on pasta :)

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  7. Wow, fab colour. I really must try pesto, a standard recipe to start with I think. What a lovely item to be sent to review - you are very lucky!

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    1. I know I am lucky Caroline. I am so, so pleased with my new toy. Other than that, pesto is a real must for making at home :)

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  8. oh wow, what an amazing toy! and I love the recipe :)

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  9. What an amazing colour and full of goodness!

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    1. I know, so full of goodness. I was glad it was so well received :)

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  10. I can see that there will be lots more Vitamix recipes on your blog soon! Lovely looking pesto and amazing properties in your new machine.

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    1. I have at least three lined up already Janice. If I had a week of just now, there would be about 20 times that :)

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  11. Looks fab fab fab. Actually you have just inspired me to make a cauli/pea sauce for the kids this evening - although i may have to steam the veg as I have no toy :-(

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    1. I saw that you did make it and it went down really well with your family. That is great!

      I hope you feel better soon x

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  12. WOW, Jac. My Mom had one of those Vitamix things when I was growing up (she lost it when Dad loaned it to a friend and couldn't remember which one. Boy, was she unhappy!) - they do roar a bit like a plane engine, but I can't wait to get settled and get one of my own - after judicious money saving, of course! I'm always intrigued at your pea usage - you use peas in things it would never occur to me to use!

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    1. I know Tanita, but peas are so easy to throw into dishes, lovely and sweet and Cooper loves them.

      Oh yes, and I bet your mum wasn't happy. Men! Honestly!

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  13. Oh looking good! Great idea too for a pasta sauce. Looks like a useful machine thingamebob! I will make do with my stick blender like Recipe Junkie though.. Good to see you in VL this month. I write for them occasionally, they are a very nice bunch, lovely to work for :)

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    1. Good for you Sarah, I would like to do that someday too. Must brush up on my writing skills first I think :)

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  14. Great recipe -so versatile and nutritious. And so fun to make it in your new toy, I mean serious piece of useful kit:D NO, I'm not jealous at all... x

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    1. I thought you already had one Kellie? It was you, who gave me the button underneath tip! Haven't had to use it yet. Touch wood!

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  15. Good pesto idea, I am always curios about alternative to the green Italian pesto. Cauliflower and Pea sounds like an interesting combination. Your new tool is cool!

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  16. Cauliflower and pea pesto is a brainwave!! wodnerful flavors
    Mary x

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  17. I would love that toy too! Another recipe Jac. xo

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  18. Congrats! You now, also have a Vitamix!

    Me too, you will be having so much fun with it! It is a real winner, so is this stunning & appetizing recipe!

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I love reading comments, so thank you for taking the time to leave one. Unfortunately, I'm bombarded with spam, so I've turned on comment moderation. I'll publish your comments as soon as I can and respond to them. Don't panic, they will disappear when you hit publish. Jac x