Raw Vegan Macadamia & Semi-Dried Tomato Pesto
11It doesn’t get much easier than this delicious raw macadamia pesto. I got a version of this raw pesto from The Australian Macadamia Society and it is a winner. They have some fantastic macadamia recipes on their site. This macadamia pesto epitomizes the blend and live philosophy! If you are looking for fabulous food processor recipes this is it! Literally, throw everything in your food processor, blend and chow! No chopping, no mess, no fuss. And best of all -- this raw pesto is absolutely phenomenal. You just will not believe something so easy can have so much flavour. Trust me, this macadamia pesto is just to die for!
This raw pesto is a fantastic last minute saver when you want to throw a delicious nibble together for those last minute guests; or create a quick and easy pesto pasta with a difference. All of the raw ingredients can be kept in the pantry and you don’t need to add the fresh basil if you don't have it. This raw pesto tastes fantastic without it. But it is a nice accent, it lifts the flavours, and adds a beautiful green colour to this vegan dip.
Try to purchase semi-dried tomatoes in olive oil, as it is much healthier. This raw pesto can get very rich very quickly. So start with one tablespoon of the jar oil, and gradually pour in the olive oil into the top of your food processor; pulse and check; blend and taste until you get your perfect blend. If you want a richer flavour, add in some more of the jar oil. I don’t ever think this raw pesto needs it. But you might like it with more bite. Keep adding oil until you get the desired consistency, depending on what you are using it for. If you are serving as a vegan dip, you can leave it quite rustic and chunky, and you might want to give a real kick by adding in a bit more of the jar oil. But if you are are stirring it through some gluten free pasta, less is more. Thin this macadamia pesto out with more olive oil.
This AMAZING macadamia pesto is raw, vegan, gluten free, dairy free, egg free and soy free. Trust me, this vegan dip recipe is a stunner, a winner, and not to be missed!
Raw Vegan Macadamia & Semi-Dried Tomato Pesto
- 1 1/2 cups raw macadamias soaked for 2 hours (this is optional)
- 1 cup of semi-dried tomatoes in olive oil
- 1 Tbsp of saved oil from jar
- 1/4 cup cold pressed extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 cup fresh basil or more to taste
- Drain the jar of semi-dried tomatoes and save a little bit of the oil.
- Put everything in the food processor and add more oil in order to get the desired consistency.
- If you want a stronger flavour you can add in some more oil from the tomato jar.
- You can thin this out even more for a fantastic pasta sauce.
- Garnish with some fresh fresh basil leaves and devour. YUM!
Published here with permission from The Australian Macadamia Society
Piggy Cooking Tips
the best way to clean your blender
After blending up something sticky, gooey or smelly, just place a few drops of soap in the carriage with some warm water and blend on high until all of the congealed food slips away from the blades and sides. Then repeat this process. Then rinse with water and presto! Clean carriage.
If you have smells or stains repeat this process with some bicarbonate of soda or lemon juice and water.
Check out the video on A No Hassle Way To Clean Your Blender that I did as part of the Chow Tips Series.
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Piggy Grunts!
Add Your GruntSilly question… but, we are are using two different kinds of oils in this recipe right? Olive and CP Extra Virgin? Or can I soak the sundried tomatoes in CPEVOO?
Thanks :)
Hey Piggy Victoria
Not a silly question. I was a bit confusing in my instructions. Sorry about that.
If you purchase tomatoes in good olive oil you can use some of that oil.
But I prefer to use my own CPEVOO.
Soaking them in that is a fantastic idea.
Just add the oil gradually so the dip doesn’t get too oily and it doesn’t overpower the natural flavour of the semi-dried tomatoes.
Let me know how you go.
This pesto is piggilicious. Oink Oink :)
Thank you so much for responding :)
One more question… we don’t soak the macadamia nuts, correct?
Pleasure Victoria!
I soak all of my raw nuts in order to make them easier to digest. Macadamias only need a couple of hours. But this is not essential in order to enjoy this recipe. You can just throw them in raw.
I cannot believe how much flavour this dip has with just two ingredients. This has to be the easiest dip I have ever made.