This is my favorite pesto recipe, even though it uses different ingredients than the traditional pesto I grew up with. When thinking of hormone health recipes for women, I always try to consider my favorite superfoods and see if there is any way to incorporate them into the mix. In this basil pesto recipe I chose to add kale and pumpkin seeds instead of the traditional pinenuts. The result is nutrient dense and delicious. I can’t wait for you to try it!
Pumpkin seeds are a good source of omega fatty acids and zinc, both essential for conception, hormone balance, sperm production and proper immune function. Garlic and basil vitalize the energy flow to alleviate PMS, blood clotting, fibroids, and release stuck emotions. Kale is a cruciferous vegetable that contains DIM (diindolylmethane) than can help balance our healthy estrogens in the body. This is especially important with estrogen dominant conditions like endometriosis.
Pumpkin seed pesto is delicious served on black bean pasta, quinoa pasta and vegetable varieties like spaghetti squash or zucchini. It can also be used as a spread or accompaniment to season your favorite recipes from salmon to egg burritos. Lately we have been testing it out with our favorite pizza recipes. It makes a great base sauce with toppings like chicken, sundried tomates, and onions.
This pesto is also versatile you can make it vegan by leaving out the parmesan cheese. I am generally a proponent of dairy free for hormone health but some people can tolerate small amounts of the low lactose varieties.
Here is the full recipe:
Yields: 1 1/2 cup pesto
Ingredients:
2 cups fresh basil
1 cup kale
1/2 cup pumpkin seeds
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
3 garlic cloves, finely minced
Juice of 1/2 a fresh lemon
Optional: For a creamier texture, add 1/2 avocado, peeled and cored
Optional: add 1/4 cup of parmesan cheese
Blend ingredients in food processor, using lemon juice to achieve desired consistency. Delicious on gluten free pizzas and gluten free pasta!
I hope you will enjoy this recipe and would love to hear what you think in the comments below. If you are looking for other healthy recipes for fertility and hormone health check out my gluten free recipe library here.
Recipe from Cooking for Fertility