Eosinophilic Esophagitis Friendly Kale & Herb Pesto
This vibrant green sauce is built entirely from whole, recognizable ingredients — kale, fresh herbs, garlic, lemon, and good olive oil — making it a genuinely exciting option when so many store-bought condiments and sauces are loaded with hidden triggers. Traditional pesto typically relies on nuts and hard aged cheese, both of which can be problematic for people managing eosinophilic esophagitis, so this version skips them entirely without sacrificing any of the richness or depth you'd expect. A quick blanch of the kale keeps it bright and mellows any bitterness, while the basil and parsley bring that fresh, herby punch that makes pesto so craveable. A hit of lemon juice lifts everything, and a pinch of turmeric adds a subtle warmth that makes this feel a little more interesting than your average sauce. The food processor does most of the work, and you can dial in the texture — thick and spreadable or loose and spoonable — just by adjusting the olive oil. Toss it with pasta, spread it on toast, or use it as a dip; it's the kind of versatile, feel-good recipe that earns a permanent spot in your weekly rotation.
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Learn more →Ingredients
6 servings
- 2 cups curly or lacinato kale, stems removed, leaves roughly torn
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves, packed
- ¼ cup fresh parsley leaves
- 2 cloves garlic, peeled
- ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil, plus more as needed
- 2 tbsp lemon juice (from about 1 lemon)
- ¼ tsp fine sea salt, or to taste
- ¼ tsp ground turmeric
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, finely grated (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Bring a small skillet of water to a boil over high heat. Add the kale leaves and blanch for 30 seconds, until bright green and just wilted. Drain immediately and transfer to a bowl of ice water for 1 minute to stop the cooking, then squeeze out as much water as possible with your hands.
- 2
Combine the blanched kale, basil, parsley, garlic, lemon juice, turmeric, and ginger (if using) in a food processor. Pulse 8–10 times until the mixture is coarsely chopped and the garlic is broken down.
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