Oats Free Walnut Pesto Lentil Spread

Total time50 min

Prep time15 min

Cook time25 min

5.0

(21)

This earthy, vibrant spread brings together tender cooked lentils and a fragrant walnut-basil pesto into something that feels far more special than the sum of its parts. Toasting the walnuts before blending is a small step that pays off big — it deepens their flavor and gives the whole spread a warm, nutty richness that pairs beautifully with the bright hit of lemon and fresh basil. Cumin and turmeric add just enough warmth to make every bite interesting without overpowering the herbaceous pesto base. The texture lands somewhere between hummus and tapenade: smooth enough to scoop easily, but with enough body to hold its shape on a cracker or crudité. For anyone navigating grain sensitivities, this is a genuinely satisfying dip option — every ingredient is naturally whole and unprocessed, so there's no need to scrutinize labels or worry about hidden fillers. It works beautifully as a party appetizer, a weekday snack, or even spread thick onto a plate as a simple starter with a drizzle of good olive oil.

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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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