I was a little hesitant to make a Weight Watcher’s pesto when the “real” thing is so good. See also my recipe Pesto where I have included some information on why basil turns brown and how to prevent it. I had a lot of basil that needed to be used before it started to flower, so why not give a low calorie recipe a try.
Wow, the first one was great and the only things I would change is not to add the salt and I might add less chicken broth as the sauce was a little thin.
The second one I did not care for and I have included it to show you the ingredients and to give my opinion. It did taste like a green leafy paste – I did not care for the parsley. I even added 2 additional tbsp. of broth to help it come together better but found I would need to do much more adjusting. Sometimes recipes just are not good…
Anyways, the first recipe is worth trying and if you like pesto and are watching your calories by all means make Pesto Sauce I. It is delicious…
WW Pesto Sauce
- 2 tbsp. pine nuts
- 2 cups basil leaves, packed
- 1/2 cup reduced sodium chicken broth (a little less)
- 1/4 cup Parmesan, grated
- 1 tbsp. olive oil
- 2 medium garlic cloves, peeled
- 1/2 tsp. salt (optional – next time I will not add)
Toast pine nuts in a small skillet for a couple of minutes, shaking pan frequently to prevent burning. Remove and cool.
In a blender or food processor, combine nuts, basil, broth cheese, oil, garlic and process until smooth.
Weight Watcher’s points of 2 per 1/4 cup using the Old System
Recipe by cooking with aunt juju http://cookingwithauntjuju.com/2012/08/16/weight-watchers-pesto-two-ways/
WW Pesto Sauce with Parsley
- 2 cups basil leaves, packed
- 1/2 cup parsley, packed
- 2 tbsp. Parmesan, grated
- 1 tbsp. reduced sodium chicken broth
- 1 garlic clove, quartered
- pepper to taste (did not add)
- 4 tsp. olive oil
- 1/2 lb. capellini
Combine the basil, parsley, cheese, broth, garlic and pepper (optional) in a food processor or blender; pulse until finely chopped. Slowly drizzle in the oil and process until the mixture forms a coarse paste.
Serve over ca pellini or angel hair pasta worth 7 points per serving (includes pasta)
Recipe by cooking with aunt juju http://cookingwithauntjuju.com/2012/08/16/weight-watchers-pesto-two-ways/
Pesto Sauce I on right and Pesto Sauce II on left…
