Golden Hour Pesto
In clinical nutrition, we often look for high-leverage foods. I’m talking about functional ingredients that perform multiple functions simultaneously. This pesto is a prime example.
By swapping pine nuts for walnuts and utilising a high-polyphenol olive oil, we shift a pretty humble condiment into something that truly supports skin, your nervous system, active bodies, energy + hormone health.
I call this the Golden Hour Pesto because of the way it supports the body’s internal signaling during the transition from the stressors of the day into the evening recovery phase.
Why you’ll love this recipe
Skin health: Walnuts are a dense source of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). These plant-based Omega-3s are essential for maintaining the structural integrity of your cell membranes (specifically the skin’s lipid barrier). From a clinical perspective, supporting this barrier is far more effective for skin resilience than any topical treatment. Ever.
Endocrine support: Our endocrine system requires a consistent supply of high quality fats to synthesise hormones like progesterone and oestrogen. The monounsaturated fats in extra virgin olive oil serve as the literal building blocks for these pathways. If you aren't consuming adequate lipids, your hormonal production lacks the necessary raw materials = hormonal chaos.
Lowers inflammation: Fresh basil is more than a beautiful flavour; it’s a concentrated source of eugenol and other volatile oils. These compounds help down-regulate inflammatory markers that are often at the root of metabolic dysfunction and skin flare-ups.
Servc with:
Dollop onto baked fish, chicken or lamb; veggie buddha bowls; egg dishes; add to sandwiches; serve with chopped veggies for a tasty snack; baked mushrooms; tofu skewers; pasta bowls; homemade pizza - the options really are endless.
Golden Hour Pesto (GF, VGO)
Ingredients / Makes 1 cup
2 cups fresh basil, leaves picked
1 cup raw walnuts (can toast to deepen the flavour)
2 tbs hemp seeds (optional - for additional omega-3 + magnesium boost)
2 cloves garlic, peeled + minced
1 tbs fresh lemon juice
¼ cup parmesan cheese, grated (subsitute with nutritional yeast for vegan or dairy-free)
½ cup extra virgin olive oil
Sea salt + pepper
Method:
Add basil, walnuts, hemp seeds (if using), garlic, lemon juice and parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast) into a mortar and pestle (or use a food processor). Pulse until broken down but still textured
Slowly stream in the olive oil, continuing to pulse until well combined
Season with salt and pepper to taste (usually needs more pepper than salt due to the saltiness of the parmesan cheese)
Serve immediately or can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Enjoy!
With love x