Pistachio Pesto

This is an intriguing alternative to standard pesto; the secret ingredient is arugula, also know as rocket, which adds extra bite. Pesto loses some of its magic if it is turned into a puree, so be sure to keep the texture chunky. Recipe from Raw Food Celebrations: Party Menus for Every Occasion! by Nomi Shannon and Sheryl Duruz.

Serves: 8 to 10

• 1 cup fresh basil leaves
• 1 cup arugula
• 1/2 cup shelled raw pistachio nuts
• 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest

Combine all of the ingredients in a food processor fitted with the S blade and process until well mixed but still chunky.

Note: if you are making the pesto ahead of time, sprinkle a bit of lemon juice or extra-virgin olive oil on the surface to keep the color from darkening.

Reprinted by permission of The Book Publishing Company. 

• Here are more tasty vegan appetizers.
  
• Here are lots more recipes for simple sauces and such.