Have you ever tried Spirulina ?

This algae is said to have lots of health benefits as it has a very high content in protein and minerals. I have tried it in smoothies and porridges in the past, but this time I wanted to use it in a savory recipe to enjoy its flavor. Some people don’t like it as it is quite strong and specific.  You can tell it is an algae 🙂

I thought that combined with other strong ingredients and herbs in a pesto sauce it would work well and somehow balance the spirulina.

The spirulina pesto is a very dense dark green sauce, you can adjust according your tastebuds (+/- garlic, lemon).

You can have it on toasts, as a dip or in a salad like the one I propose below.

Have a try and let me know your thoughts !

THIS RECIPE IS:

• Super healthy
• Flavorful
• Super easy

PESTO INGREDIENTS

• 1 cup basil
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 tbsp dry spirulina (rehydrated with 1,5 tbsp water)
• 3 tbsp almonds
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1,5 tbsp lemon
• 1 tsp sea salt

PESTO INSTRUCTIONS

1. Blend everything, except the oil at high speed in your blender.
2. Add the oil and blend again until smooth with still some texture.
3. Taste and add more lemon/salt if needed or water if you prefer a texture that is less thick

Nb: you can also add 2 tbsp nutritional yeast to get a little cheese note in your pesto. In that case add a bit more water or lemon juice

Your pesto can be kept for up to 5 days in your fridge in an airtight container.

SALAD INSTRUCTIONS

1. Cook 1/2 cup puy lentils (or use rinsed can ones if you don’t have time). Rinse them and let them cool down
2. Cook 1/3 cup white quinoa
3. Blanch 3 Brocoli florets and cut it in small bits
4. Finely shred 2 tbsp mint and 1 tbsp coriander
5. Mix 1tbsp spirulina pesto with the lentils.
6. Mix the quinoa with the brocoli, the herbs  and 1 tbsp olive oil + 1 tbsp lemon juice
7. Top it with the lentils combined with 1 tbsp spirulina pesto.
8. Finish with some more baby mint leaves, a few brocoli bits, some sunflower kernels and a few drops of pesto. Drizzle a little olive oil, more lemon juice and some salt and cracked pepper.

ENJOY !

During our holidays I tried lots of new healthy restaurants and cafés in Europe and discovered great recipes I can’t wait to adapt at home !

I also did a lot of staples shopping in the organic shops I love in Paris.

I came home with some Spirulina and couldn’t resist to try a savory recipe with it. So here it goes, I opted for spirulina pesto and used it do dress up a superfood salad.

If you want to try, just follow the link below.

Hope you enjoy, and share your comments with me 🙂

Spirulina pesto superfood salad