Spinach Pesto

So, school has started again and I am desperately trying to get out of my lazy holiday schedule. But, it has been a complete bust. Last night I couldn't fall asleep until 3am. Therefore, this morning was, well...I missed it...it was non-existent.

Being up late at night usually brings on the midnight munchies but last night, I had an itching to cook. So, I made a batch of spinach pesto. Which is really the cheap man's version of normal pesto. Basil is (1) out of season and (2) super expensive. So, I make mine with dried basil and a bunch of spinach. In my defense, Giada on Food Network totally put spinach in her traditional pesto the other day, so I figure making spinach the main ingredient can't be that far off. Oh, and I promise, it tastes damn good.



1/2 cup walnuts
3-5 cloves of garlic (depending on size)
2 handfuls of fresh spinach
zest of half a lemon
3 tbsp of dried basil
red pepper flakes
salt and pepper
olive oil

1. Place walnuts, peeled garlic cloves, and spinach in food processor and pulse until the spinach is cut up.

2. Zest lemon into the food processor and add red pepper flakes and seasonings. Turn on the food processor and stream in olive oil until desired texture is reached.

The pesto is really good but it doesn't last too long in the fridge. The flavor starts to change within 48 hrs. Also, feel free to leave out the lemon if you don't have one around. It's really not necessary, I just like the freshness it brings to pesto. Enjoy!