Nitrate & Nitrite Free Walnut Pesto Lentil Spread
This earthy, vibrant spread layers the brightness of fresh basil and lemon with the deep, nutty richness of toasted walnuts and tender cooked lentils — it's the kind of thing you'll want to put on absolutely everything. Cured meats, deli products, and even some store-bought dips can be sneaky sources of hidden preservatives, so making your own from scratch is the cleanest way to go. Every ingredient here is whole and unprocessed, from the raw walnuts you toast yourself to the lentils simmered in nothing but water and salt. The cumin and turmeric add a warm, subtle depth that makes this spread feel more complex than the short ingredient list suggests. A quick pulse in the food processor brings it all together into a texture that's creamy enough to scoop but still has enough body to hold up on a cracker or a slice of cucumber. It works beautifully as a party dip, a sandwich spread, or an easy weeknight snack that actually keeps you full. Fresh parsley and a drizzle of good olive oil on top make it look as good as it tastes.
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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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