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Alex & Sonja: The Culinary Pair Behind A Couple Cooks

Alex and Sonja Overhiser form the energetic pair behind the well-known culinary site, A Couple Cooks. As creators of two successful cookbooks, they have made a notable mark in the realm of home cooking by conveying their enthusiasm for straightforward, seasonal recipes. Their adventure commenced in 2010 when they introduced their website with the intention of spreading the joy of cooking to a broader audience.

The couple’s philosophy regarding cooking is anchored in the belief that preparing meals should be a fun and accessible activity for all. They aim to craft recipes that are not just flavorful but also simple to follow, making them ideal for busy individuals and families. Their website boasts thousands of unique recipes, all carefully composed and photographed by Alex and Sonja themselves. Each recipe undergoes testing in their personal kitchen, often with assistance from their children, ensuring that every dish is family-friendly and reliable.

Beyond recipes, A Couple Cooks provides a wealth of cooking advice and meal planning inspiration. Alex and Sonja recognize the difficulties of juggling a hectic lifestyle while aiming to eat well, and they offer practical solutions to support their readers in achieving this balance. Whether it’s tips on how to effectively organize weekly meals or advice on maximizing seasonal ingredients, their insights are priceless for both novice and seasoned cooks.

The triumph of A Couple Cooks stems from Alex and Sonja’s authentic passion for cooking and their dedication to sharing that enthusiasm with others. Their recipes embody their culinary journey, brimming with creativity, experimentation, and a profound respect for the craft of cooking. As a real-life couple who prepares meals together, they offer a distinct viewpoint, encouraging others to discover the joys of cooking as a communal experience.

Through their website, cookbooks, and engaging content, Alex and Sonja Overhiser persist in motivating countless individuals to cherish the joys of cooking. Their commitment to crafting simple, seasonal recipes has not only enhanced their own lives but has also impacted the lives of many who have found delight in cooking through A Couple Cooks.

Fast and Simple 5-Minute Cashew Basil Pesto Recipe

This basil cashew pesto is vibrant green and bursting with flavor! It tastes just like the traditional version and is more economical.

What could surpass a flavorful, creamy, garlicky basil pesto? With easy access to a lush basil plant in my garden, I enjoy creating large batches, although I don’t always adhere to the classic recipe. But is it possible to make pesto with cashews?

A conventional basil pesto utilizes pine nuts, which can be pricey. Cashews are a pantry staple in my home, so the thought of creating pesto with cashews occurred spontaneously. It turns out to be delicious and resembles the traditional basil pesto!

Ingredients in Cashew Pesto

Pesto is a sauce that hails from Italy. The most renowned version of pesto is basil pesto or pesto alla genovese, originating from the city of Genoa. However, the term derives from the Italian word “pounded,” so it can refer to any type of pounded sauce.

You’ve likely encountered various adaptations before, such as red pepper pesto, kale pesto, and more. The typical ingredients in basil pesto are:

– Fresh basil leaves
– Parmesan cheese
– Nuts
– Garlic
– Olive oil
– Salt

A traditional pesto utilizes pine nuts, but this cashew pesto recipe replaces those with cashews. Pine nuts have a unique flavor and can be harder to find in the US, not to mention pricier. Cashews serve as a fantastic alternative: they contribute a creamy texture and create a wonderfully satisfying basil pesto!

My cashew pesto also includes fresh lemon juice! Including a squeeze of lemon enhances the flavor. You can leave this out if you prefer, but I appreciate the depth it adds and it helps maintain the green color.

Make it Vegan

If you primarily follow a plant-based diet and are looking for a vegan variation of cashew pesto, I’ve got you covered! Check out my recipe for vegan cashew pesto.

How to Make Cashew Pesto

To prepare cashew pesto, you’ll require a food processor, blender, or mortar and pestle. Traditionally, pesto is made using a mortar and pestle, but many kitchens now lack one.

A food processor simplifies the process. Using a blender depends on the size and power of your appliance to achieve a smooth blend. (In this case, a smaller, stronger blender is preferable.) You’ll yield approximately 1 cup of sauce. Here’s how to prepare basil pesto:

1. In a dry skillet, toast the cashews for a few minutes, stirring constantly, until fragrant. (This enhances the nutty flavor of the cashews.)
2. In the bowl of a food processor, add the cashews, Parmesan cheese, and garlic, then process until finely chopped.
3. Add the fresh basil leaves, lemon juice, and salt. With the food processor running, drizzle in the olive oil until a creamy sauce forms.

You can store the cashew pesto for 1 week in the refrigerator and for several months in the freezer.

How to Freeze Pesto

If you won’t consume all your cashew pesto within a week, you can conveniently freeze it for later use! This is also an excellent method to utilize excess basil if you have a large basil plant. At the end of the growing season, I prepare a bunch of pesto and freeze it. This way, I can savor the flavor of fresh basil during winter!

A simple way to freeze pesto is in ice cube trays. Pour the cashew pesto into the individual squares of an ice cube tray and freeze. Once solid (after a few hours), remove the cubes and store them in a sealed freezer-safe container.

To thaw the pesto, take a cube from the freezer and place it in a container. Allow it to sit at room temperature or in the refrigerator until fully thawed.

A Note on Growing Basil

Do you cultivate your own basil? If you don’t, I highly suggest it! All you need is a sunny windowsill to plant it in a pot. Alternatively, if you have garden space, you can plant it in full sunlight! Just remember to water and harvest it regularly. A pot of fresh basil will transform your summer cooking!

Using Basil Cashew Pesto

If you’re here, it’s likely you already have some excellent ideas on utilizing cashew pesto! But if you’re seeking more inspiration, here are some of my favorites:

Dietary Notes

This cashew pesto recipe is vegetarian and gluten-free.

Cashew Pesto with Basil

Can you create pesto using cashews? Absolutely. This basil cashew pesto is vivid green and full of flavor. It tastes just like the classic!

Author: Sonja Overhiser
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 0