Candida Diet Friendly Walnut Pesto Lentil Spread
This earthy, herb-forward spread is the kind of thing you'll want to keep in the fridge at all times — creamy enough to scoop, textured enough to feel satisfying, and packed with flavor from toasted walnuts and a bright basil-lemon pesto base. Lentils do the heavy lifting here, blending into a smooth but rustic spread that's genuinely filling without relying on any of the usual problematic ingredients. Cumin and turmeric add a warm, subtle depth that makes this feel far more complex than the short ingredient list suggests. For anyone navigating a candida-conscious way of eating, finding a dip or spread that doesn't sneak in refined starches, vinegar, or added sugars can be a real challenge — this one sidesteps all of that naturally. The whole thing comes together in a food processor, and the technique of toasting the walnuts first is a small step that pays off big in flavor. Serve it with crisp sliced vegetables for a clean, satisfying snack, or spread it thick and eat it straight from the bowl — no judgment here.
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Learn more →Ingredients
8 servings
For the lentils
- ¾ cup green or brown lentils, rinsed
- 2 cups water
- ¼ tsp salt
For the pesto-walnut base
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves, packed
- ¾ cup raw walnuts
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
- 2 tbsp lemon juice (from about 1 lemon)
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- ¼ tsp ground cumin
- ¼ tsp ground turmeric
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp salt, or to taste
For serving
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, roughly chopped (optional)
- sliced vegetables or gluten free crackers, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Combine the rinsed lentils, water, and 1/4 tsp salt in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a steady simmer and cook uncovered for 20–25 minutes, until the lentils are completely tender and have absorbed most of the water.
- 2
Drain any remaining liquid through a fine-mesh strainer and spread the lentils on a plate or sheet pan. Let them cool for 10 minutes until no longer steaming.
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