Cilantro Pesto

When you buy cilantro from the store you get a great big bunch and for most recipes you need just one or two tablespoons. This used to make me so mad. I would just wish, why don't they give me this much basil? What can I do with all this cilantro? And most of the time, it went into the compost bin.

Until one day my friend turned on a lightbulb for me and introduced me to cilantro pesto. Alas! The answer that I have been waiting for! Cilantro Pesto makes a great spread for a burger, a sauce for your burritos or even just bring out a bag of chips and start dipping!

Cilantro Pesto

Makes 1 cup

1 bunch cilantro, stems removed
2 cloves garlic
2 T shredded parmesan cheese*
1/4 c roasted walnuts
1/4 t salt
1/4 t pepper
1/3 c olive oil

*To make vegan, replace walnuts and parmesan cheese with 1/4 c roasted cashews and add a teaspoon of lemon juice.

Removes stems from cilantro.

Put all ingredients into your food processor and mix. Start with 1/4 olive oil and add more as needed to get the consistency that you like.