Hare Krishna Creamy Basil Pesto Pasta is a delightful Italian classic made in the Hare Krishna style.
This dish combines whole wheat or gluten-free pasta with a rich and creamy pesto sauce made from fresh basil, almonds, nutritional yeast, and olive oil. Pair it with a side of spiced roasted vegetables for a perfect fusion meal.
Serving Suggestions
Hare Krishna Creamy Basil Pesto Pasta can be enjoyed with:
- Spiced Roasted Vegetables: Serve with a side of spiced roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.
- Hing-Flavored Bread: Pair with hing-flavored bread to complement the creamy pesto.
These serving suggestions enhance the taste of meals and foster a sense of community and togetherness when shared with fellow devotees.
Recipe Yield
This recipe makes approximately 4 servings. Serve it hot for the best taste and texture.
PrintCreamy Basil Pesto Pasta Recipe
Hare Krishna Creamy Basil Pesto Pasta is a rich and satisfying dish, inspired by the principles of bhakti yoga. This pasta recipe uses fresh basil, almonds, nutritional yeast, and olive oil to create a creamy and flavorful pesto sauce that can be enjoyed at any time of day. In the tradition of Gaudiya Vaishnavism, preparing and offering food to Krishna is an act of love and devotion, known as bhakti. Each dish is prepared with care, mindfulness, and a pure heart, making it not just a meal but a spiritual offering.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Hybrid
- Method: Boiling, Blending
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
For the Pesto Sauce:
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves, packed (about 100g)
- 1/4 cup almonds, blanched
- 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
- 1/4 cup olive oil (60 ml)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon hing (asafoetida)
- 2–3 tablespoons water (optional, for thinning)
For the Pasta:
- 8 ounces whole wheat or gluten-free pasta (225g)
- Salt, for pasta water
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Pesto Sauce: In a blender or food processor, combine fresh basil leaves, almonds, nutritional yeast, olive oil, salt, and hing. Blend until smooth. Add water if needed to achieve the desired consistency.
- Combine Pasta and Pesto: Toss the cooked pasta with the pesto sauce until well coated.
- Serve Hot: Serve the creamy basil pesto pasta hot with your favorite side dish.
Notes
- Variation: Add sun-dried tomatoes or olives to the pasta for extra flavor.
- Storage: Store any leftover pesto sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Use as needed.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 0mg