Hemp pesto

Hemp seed pesto – a classic Finnish superfood. Roasted hemp seeds, basil and garlic create a tasty, nutritious pesto that works in pasta, salads and on bread.

Total time About 15 min Vegetarian Lactose-free Dairy-free

Ingredients

2 dl hemp seeds or shelled hemp seeds
0.75 dl cold-pressed rapeseed or camelina oil
less than 0.5 teaspoon salt
1.5 tablespoons dried basil or plenty of fresh basil
2–4 garlic cloves

Method

Toast the hemp seeds in a dry pan until they start to smell fragrant and have a light toasted finish. This will enhance their nutty aroma.
Add the oil, basil, garlic and salt. Blend with a hand blender or blender until smooth.
Taste and adjust the flavor to suit. You can add fresh basil or a squeeze of lemon juice if you want more freshness.

Serving suggestions

Hemp pesto is suitable as a pasta sauce, on bread, as a salad dressing, or even as a seasoning for baked vegetables. It will keep in the refrigerator in an airtight jar for several days.