Making a good pesto can bring so much joy, with the aromas of fresh greens, herbs, nuts and seeds blooming in the kitchen. This recipe amps up the nutrients with the incorporation of superfood ingredients such as moringa, hemp seeds and pumpkin seeds. The Moringa oleifera tree is known in much of the world as the “tree of life” or “nature’s miracle tree,” with every part of the tree offering nutrition and health benefits to humans and animals. The leaves bring a slightly nutty and earthy flavor to the magical mix in this elevated pesto. Pull out your food processor or blender to quickly spin up this bright, fresh, life-giving green sauce bursting with extra-good goodness. Mixed with pillowy gnocchi, it makes for an effortlessly satisfying meal.
Superfood Pesto Gnocchi
Ingredients
Pesto
- 1 cup baby spinach
- 1 cup basil
- 1 Tbsp. organic moringa leaf powder or 1/3 cup fresh moringa
- 3-4 cloves garlic
- 1/2 cup organic olive oil
- 1/3 cup walnuts and/or pistachios
- 1 tsp. pumpkin seeds
- 2 tsp. hemp seeds
- 1/4 tsp. sea salt or more to taste
- 1/8 tsp. ground black pepper
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan or Romano cheese for vegan pesto, use vegan Parmesan or nutritional yeast
Pasta
- 1 pkg. gnocchi or homemade gnocchi
Instructions
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In food processor, combine all ingredients. Process 1-2 minutes until desired consistency. Taste and adjust for salt.
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In pot, cook gnocchi according to package instructions. Drain and add back to pot. Add pesto sauce and stir until thoroughly coated. Serve with extra parmesan cheese, if desired.
Note: Keep sauce up to 1 week stored in glass container in refrigerator.
Recipe Notes
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