Spicy Cilantro Pesto

May 08, 2023May 8, 20230 3

Spicy Cilantro Pesto - A Delicious Sauce to Spice Up Your Meal

by The Chefin Sauce

Prep

10 min

Cook

5 min

Ready In

15 min

Level

Easy

Rating

Ingredients

Nutrision Information

Servings Per Recipe

Calories

206

Sugar

0.7g

Fat

22.7g

Spicy Cilantro Pesto is a delicious and spicy sauce that originated in Latin America, specifically Mexico. This recipe is a modern twist on the traditional recipe, adding sliced almonds to provide texture and additional nutrients. The sauce is versatile and can be used as a marinade, a topping, or an accompaniment to many dishes like grilled vegetables, meats, fish, and more. This dish is easy to make and perfect for those who love spicy food. The recipe is gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan-friendly, making it perfect for those following specific diets.

Instructions

1.	Preheat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced almonds and sauté for 2-3 minutes until they are golden brown.
2.	In a food processor, add the toasted sliced almonds, olive oil, and garlic cloves. Blend until the mixture becomes smooth.
3.	Add the cilantro leaves, red pepper flakes, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to the food processor. Pulse the mixture until you get a smooth and well-combined sauce. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.

PROS

This spicy cilantro pesto is a burst of flavor and spice and is a perfect accompaniment to several dishes like meats, vegetables, and fish.
The sauce is easy and quick to make, and it is gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan-friendly.
Its ingredients provide a variety of health benefits that improve digestion, boost immunity, and provide a host of nutrients.

CONS

This recipe calls for red pepper flakes and garlic, which can be a bit too spicy and pungent for some palates.
The recipe involves toasting the sliced almonds, which can be a bit tricky and may need experience.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

This spicy cilantro pesto is packed with immune-boosting vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants from the cilantro and garlic. The red pepper flakes provide capsaicin, which helps in reducing inflammation and pain. The olive oil and sliced almonds contain healthy fats that help reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases, while the lemon juice provides vitamin C that helps boost immunity.

	1/4 cup toasted sliced almonds
	1 teaspoon olive oil
	2 cloves garlic
	2 cups fresh cilantro leaves
	1/2 cup olive oil
	1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
	1/2 tablespoon crushed red pepper flakes
	salt and ground black pepper to taste ( optional )