Spinach Pesto with Tofu

(2)
  • Minutes to Prepare:
  • Minutes to Cook:
  • Number of Servings: 6
Ingredients
1 bunch Spinach4-8 fresh tomatoes4-6 cloves garlic3/4 c. olive oil3/4 c. pine nuts (sub: walnuts)1 block firm tofu (about 8 oz)5-6 leaves fresh basil or 1 tbsp driedsalt and pepper to taste3/4 c. whole grain pasta per personoptional: add any other vegetables chopped and lightly steamed or sauteedoptional: parmesian cheese to garnish[These ingredients not accounted for in recipe calculations - please add your favorite pasta and any cheese to your nutrition tracker!]
Directions
Blend in food processor tofu, pine nuts, garlic, olive oil and fresh basil until smooth. Put in large mixing bowl. Separately food process spinach until just chopped and add to blended tofu. Add salt and pepper to taste. This mix can be used as a dip, refridgerated or frozen until needed. Overnight refridgeration helps to consolidate flavor.

Before serving cook appropriate amount of pasta per person, drain and set aside. In wok or skillet, gently warm chopped tomatoes (1 or more per person) and any other vegetables you like, then add pasta and 1/2 cup spinach-tofu pesto per person. Serve immediately.

Makes 6 1/2-cup servings.
Because this recipe uses tofu instead of cheese, it is higher in protein and lower in fat, so the serving size is higher than with other pestos. It is still quite rich and delicious, though, so adjust the proportions for your taste.

Number of Servings: 6

Recipe submitted by SparkPeople user THE-B-HIVE.

Servings Per Recipe: 6
Nutritional Info Amount Per Serving
  • Calories: 288.0
  • Total Fat: 24.6 g
  • Cholesterol: 0.0 mg
  • Sodium: 59.7 mg
  • Total Carbs: 9.5 g
  • Dietary Fiber: 3.6 g
  • Protein: 12.3 g

Member Reviews
  • LUCKY89071
    this sounds delicious! but i must say it is not a low cal or fat recipe! - 2/8/11
  • BINGHAM37
    if you left out the oil it might be low-fat, but as it is... it's probably very tasty - 5/25/11
  • YUM*MOM
    This is excellent! I used 5 tomatoes, and only 4 cloves of garlic for this recipe. At first, I thought it was going to be too garlic-flavored, but when i tasted it over the pasta, it was great! My 2 year old son even asked for seconds and then thirds! Will be making this again! - 9/5/09