Sunflower Seed Pesto

Pasta with Pesto is one of the quickest, easiest and healthiest meals you can make your family.  I usually make it with sunflower seeds, which you can grow in your own garden, besides, the traditional pine nuts are way out of an adjunct professor's budget. I use basil from my windowsill plants but you can substitute the basil with arugula or pretty much any leafy green.  Pesto sauce also goes great over chicken cutlets, on paninis or mixed with cream cheese or sour cream to make dips or spreads.

My basil and parsley plants :)


INGREDIENTS


About 2 cups basil leaves
1 clove garlic
1/4 cup sunflower seeds
2/3 cup olive oil
sea salt, pepper and grated cheese to taste

While your pasta is cooking simply throw all of the ingredients in your food processor and process.  Remember that if the sunflower seeds are salted you will need less additional salt added in.

As for the grated cheese I usually use about 1/4 cup of Pecorino but you can add in a little more or less depending on your taste.

Then just toss the pesto with the pasta and serve.

I like to drink Sauvignon Blanc with pesto but if you do not have any and you are a fellow working mom then you know that vodka goes with everything ;)