Fresh garden basil and caramelised red peppers create this gorgeous Roasted Red Capsicum Pesto Recipe with Cashews. Perfect as a homemade pesto for pasta, pizza or as a lite vegetarian dip.
It’s already the third month into the year! Did you achieve all of last years’ resolutions?
I didn’t. And that’s okay.
In previous years, I announced the most unrealistic goals for the year. Live entirely plastic-free, save the turtles, eat healthier etc. Although these goals are a
Is it possible to be entirely plastic free? We live in a plastic-fuelled world. Plastic is everywhere from the clothing we wear to the electronic devices we use. Although I have made changes to my consumer choices, aiming to reduce plastic use is an ongoing choice that requires frequent planning and forethought. Reusable grocery bags, cutlery, coffee cups… It becomes challenging to manage (and carry).
Although I’ve replaced grocery plastic bags with glass jars for things like lentils and dry beans, I consider that my choices affect other parts of the world in harmful ways. The depleting sand crisis is one of many. The solution I have found to this conflict is by seeking the balance between necessity and consumption. To only purchase items in a meaningful way by recycling, repurposing or refusal.
This year, I didn’t make a goal. Rather, I made the choice to build on the philosophy of slow living and analyse how to incorporate it into my life. Although “slow living” can be defined differently to everyone, for me, it means cultivating self-awareness and returning to a simpler way of life.
As opposed to being a yearly tick-box item, I’m more mindful of my choices and way of living on a consistent basis. I make intentional decisions relating to how I invest my time and money. A lot of this has also influenced my food choices.
With the challenges I’ve had with my health, much of my attention has been focused on fuelling my body with nourishing meals. I am learning the basics to prepare many of my meals entirely from scratch. I am also learning how to grow our own vegetables and herbs, which has been such a rewarding experience.
It has been completely surprising how simple it is to create some of the items I used to purchase pre-made. This Roasted Red Capsicum Pesto Recipe with Cashews is one of them.
I originally wanted to post a recipe on a homemade basil pesto, but grasshoppers consumed most of my Basil this summer. To compensate for the small amount of basil, I incorporated roast capsicum. The capsicum creates warmth and sweetness to the recipe, making it gorgeous for either summer or winter.
Pesto is so diverse. You can create so much with it! Dips with veggie sticks and crackers, stir it through pasta or use it as a pizza base. It’s one of those staple items which are fantastic to have on hand.
What’s your “go-to” kitchen staple item? I would love to hear in the comments below! 🙂
Homemade Roast Red Capsicum Pesto with Cashews
Ingredients:
- 2 red capsicum, seeded and roughly sliced
- 1/3 cup cashews
- 2 garlic cloves, peeled
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, washed
- 4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven grill while preparing the red capsicum.
- On a lined baking pan, place the sliced capsicum and drizzle with olive oil. Grill for 10 – 15 minutes until the skins are charred and blistered. Add the cashews to the grill for the final 2 minutes. Remove and allow to cool.
- Place the capsicum, cashews, garlic clove, and basil leaves in a blender or food processor. Process until smooth. Bon Appétit!
Notes:
Nutrition:
Disclosure:
Equipment: This recipe may contain links to products and equipment that I use and love myself. The links may contain affiliate links, meaning if you click the link and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission, at no additional cost to you.
Nutrition: The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator and does not include any other condiments or garnishes. Although Curated Life Studio attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures should be considered as estimates and do not replace or substitute a professional nutritionist’s advice.
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Hey There, I’m Kylie. My passion is plant-based recipes and I want to help you create something gorgeous!
I believe in taking a slow approach to food – to eat locally, seasonally and consciously.
When I’m not taking photos, you can find me wandering the coastal paths of South-East Australia.
Michael says
Kudos to you for promoting health, healthy food and plastic free living. Hopefully, more people will do it!
Kylie (Author) says
Thank you so much Michael, I think all of the values compliment the other!
Kylie (Author) says
Thank you so much Michael, I think all of the values complement the other!
Lydia says
I absolutely loved this recipe! It tasted as good as it looks!
Kylie (Author) says
I’m so glad you enjoyed it Lydia!
Nicole says
I love all the ingredients that go into this creation and I think they would blend in extremely well together. The method looks quite simple as well and the final product looks just yummy. Looking forward to giving this a try in my kitchen.
Kylie (Author) says
I think sometimes the simplest recipes are also the yummiest! I would love to hear how it turns out! 🙂
Jasmine says
This looks absolutely delicious and my mind is mentally creating smells as I look at these photos haha! I am definitely going to be trying this recipe out soon. I feel like it would be great with some pasta.
Kylie (Author) says
Haha! That’s too funny! It was incredible with some pasta! 🙂
Gervin says
It looks like an easy to prepare recipe and really delicious. I will definitely make this recipe for my pasta sauce and even as my pizza base. Yummy!
Kylie (Author) says
Sounds incredible! I especially love it on pizza!
Maartje says
This sounds really nice 🙂 Definitely better than buying a jar from the shops!
Kylie (Author) says
I couldn’t agree with you more Maartje! Thanks so much for stopping by!
Emmeline says
I love the look of this pesto! Will have to try it to change up my old sun-dried tomato & walnut pesto game.
Kylie (Author) says
It’s definitely a unique variation! I would love to hear how this version turns out! 🙂 x
Sophia says
This literally looks like everything I have ever wanted without even realizing it. Oh my goodness I cannot wait to try this. Hoping it’s as pretty and I’m sure as tasty as yours!
Kylie (Author) says
Thanks so much Sophia, you’re too kind! How did it turn out? 🙂
Alexandra says
OMG! Can I just say? I can’t help but drool over the picture! Who would not love to taste this?
I’ll be printing out your recipe so I can try making this over the weekend.
Kylie (Author) says
Haha! Thanks so much Alexandra, I hope the recipe turns out well! Feel free to touch in and let me know how it goes!
Rebecca says
Wow, so delicious and an easy recipe to make for the kids. I am sure my kids will love it!
Kylie (Author) says
I hope your kids enjoy it Rebecca, it sure can be adaptable for any meal!
Gaica says
I love finding a new recipe to try. I’m always so scared I am going to mess it up somehow. This looks easy enough for me though. Thanks!
Kylie (Author) says
I hope the recipe works out for you Gaica, good luck!
Snide says
This pesto looks delicious, I will definitely save this for later.
Kylie (Author) says
Awesome! Please let me know how it turns out! 🙂
Geraline says
This recipe tastes great! I was a little confused by the capsicum and then realised they are red peppers!
Kylie (Author) says
Haha! Yes, it can be confusing all the different names for the one ingredient! Glad to hear you enjoyed it!
brie says
MMM! I love Pesto! This looks like a really good recipe and I’ll have to give it a try.
Kylie (Author) says
Yeah it’s so simple! Feel free to let me know how the recipe goes! 🙂
Riana says
I usually have all of these ingredients at home, so I will definitely make this soon. I think I just need to get some red capsicum
Kylie (Author) says
Good Luck! I would love to hear how the recipe turns out!
Sue-Tanya Mchorgh says
This Roast Red Capsicum Pesto looks yummy. I can’t wait to try this!
Kylie (Author) says
It was amazing, I would love to hear how it turns out!
Erica says
What a fun spin on Pesto! This would definitely make a meal more interesting!
Kylie (Author) says
It definitely is! I recently added it to a salad and it was incredible!
Britney says
I’m always ready to make dairy-free pesto! This looks delicious!
Kylie (Author) says
Thanks Britney, hope it turns out well!
Katherine Rose says
Yum! Looks good in photos but I bet in real life too. I love pesto and would like to try the recipe for myself.
Kylie (Author) says
The roast capsicum definitely adds a unique colour compared to the original! Good Luck! Let me know goes it goes! 🙂
Ellie Plummer says
I am a massive fan of homemade pesto so I will definitely be making this next week
Kylie (Author) says
Awesome Ellie, I would love to hear how the recipe goes!
Bespoke Traveler says
Lovely to hear you taking care of yourself! I never make resolutions either, but also try to reduce and reuse as much as possible. I admire your make-from-scratch goal for food! I so often don’t have time, but am trying to rely far less on processed ingredients. Cauliflower has become a staple, because I’m amazed at how versatile it is in so many dishes. Have a happy and healthy month!
Cameron says
We prepared this the other night and mixed it through some pasta – delicious!!!
My family loved it so much we are cooking it again next week!
Lee says
I was extremely pleased to find your web site!
I want to to thank you for this particularly wonderful read and delicious recipe! It was perfect!
I definitely loved every part of your post. I’ve subscribed – I can’t wait to see new things on your site.