Ricette di Sicilia
Cibo, cultura e tradizioni siciliane
Broad Bean and Mint Pesto: A Fresh, Vegan Sauce Bursting with Sicilian Charm
Learn how to whip up a light and flavoursome broad bean and mint pesto, a vegan delight perfect for dressing bruschetta, pasta, or summer nibbles with a touch of Sicilian sunshine.
📖 What is it
Learn how to whip up a light and flavoursome broad bean and mint pesto, a vegan delight perfect for dressing bruschetta, pasta, or summer nibbles with a touch of Sicilian sunshine.
🛒 Ingredients
- ✓ 400g fresh broad beans
- ✓ 1 clove of Nubia red garlic
- ✓ 15g fresh mint leaves
- ✓ 30g almonds
- ✓ 20g pine nuts
- ✓ 15g nutritional yeast
- ✓ Trapani sea salt
- ✓ freshly ground black pepper
- ✓ extra virgin Sicilian olive oil
📊 Nutritional Information
Sicilian cooking is all about simple, honest ingredients that pack a punch of flavour. This broad bean and mint pesto is a brilliant example of how seasonal legumes can be transformed into a fresh, versatile sauce – ideal for anyone who loves plant-based food without compromising on taste.
👨🍳 Preparation
- 1
Shell the broad beans, discarding the pods, then rinse them under cold water.
- 2
Cook the beans in boiling water until tender, about 8 to 10 minutes, then drain and let them cool.
- 3
If the beans are large, peel off the outer skin for a smoother, creamier texture; a vegetable mill or gentle pressing works well.
- 4
Place the beans in a jug suitable for a hand blender, add the garlic, mint leaves, almonds, pine nuts, and nutritional yeast.
- 5
Blend everything together, slowly drizzling in the extra virgin olive oil until you achieve a silky, creamy consistency.
- 6
Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, mixing well.
- 7
Transfer the pesto to a glass jar and keep refrigerated until ready to enjoy.
💡 Tips and Variations
- •
For a richer twist, swap the nutritional yeast for grated Ragusano cheese.
- •
Using a hand blender helps create a smoother, more uniform pesto.
- •
Broad beans are the star here, offering a great source of plant protein and fibre.
- •
To lighten it up, reduce the amount of olive oil and nuts.
- •
Make this pesto in three simple steps: cook the beans, blitz with herbs, then adjust seasoning and texture with oil and spices.
- •
Add a pinch of nutritional yeast to boost umami without dairy.
- •
For a fully vegan version, ensure your nutritional yeast is free from animal-derived additives.
- •
This sauce captures the essence of Sicilian cooking – few quality ingredients coming together to create unforgettable flavours.
📦 Storage
Store the pesto in an airtight glass container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it in single-portion jars for up to 3 months.
🍷 Pairing
- •
Grillo Sicilia DOC
- •
Inzolia
- •
Vermentino di Sardegna DOC
This broad bean and mint pesto is a wonderful invitation to rediscover Sicily’s simple, wholesome cuisine, turning humble ingredients into a vibrant, fresh feast. Do give it a go at home – it’s perfect for sharing with family and friends, bringing a little Mediterranean sunshine to your table.
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