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Iron Maiden Pesto

with Preserved Lemon

 

Iron Maiden Pesto is a mineral-rich blend worthy of dolloping spoonfuls designed to help rebuild and balance those divine feminine bodies.

 

Spinach, parsley and pumpkin seeds are a powerhouse of iron, folates, minerals, and vitamins that help build blood cells, support our reproductive and immune systems and add anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic nutrients.

  • Servesapprox. 2 cups
  • Cooks in
  • Prep time 10 mins
  • High Fibre

    High fibre foods are an important part of a healthy digestive system. Whole grains, fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds are high in fibre.

  • Hormone Balancing

    Eating foods rich in certain vitamins minerals & phytonutrients can help balance our bodies hormones and endocrine system which affect our adrenal, thyroid, reproductive health.

    Hormonal imbalances may cause a wide variety of different symptoms from fatigue, mood swings, brain fog, anxiety, insomnia, weight gain, weight loss, food cravings, skin + hair + nail health, muscle weakness or pain, inflammation, dryness, infertility, 

    Foods that can help with balancing hormones;

    Leafy Greens & Root Vegetables - high in antioxidants
    Nuts - walnuts, brazil nuts,
    Seeds - flax, hemp, chia, pumpkin, sunflower, 
    Whole Grains
    Legumes
    Wild-caught Omega 3 rich fish like Salmon
    Coconut Oil - Medium Triglyercide
    Seaweeds & Nettles, Parsley, Dandelions
    Medicinal Herbs like Ashwagandha, Shatavari, Maca, Triphala, Licorice, Adaptogens

    Omega 3's, Iodine, Selenium, Vitamin B's & D, Digestive enzymes, bitters, 

    Probiotic and prebiotic foods
    Anti-inflammatory Foods
    Clean water
    Organic & low toxic foods, body & household products


  • Iron

    Iron is a mineral essential for building red blood cells, carrying oxygen to lungs & tissues, cellular energy metabolism, healthy brain & immune functions.

    Foods high in Iron;
    Spinach, kale, parsley, nettles, seaweed, algae, leafy greens, potato skin
    Red meat, poultry, liver, fish, shellfish - sardines, 
    Eggs, Mushrooms, 
    Tofu, Black Beans, Chickpeas, Lentils, Beans
    Quinoa, Teff, Oats, Buckwheat, Rice, Millet, Barley, Wheat
    Seeds pumpkin & squash, pistachios, hemp, flax, almonds, cashews, cacao, dark chocolate,
    Dried fruits apricots, raisins, molasses

  • Oil Free

    Recipes are oil-free and have no added oils as ingredients or for cooking with. An oil-free diet can be beneficial for some cardiovascular diseases.

  • Essential Vitamins Minerals

Ingredients

adds to shopping list

  • 1 cup parsley - leaf + stem chopped
  • 1 cup spinach - leaves
  • 2 garlic cloves
  • ½ cup cashews
  • ¼ cup pumpkin seeds
  • 1 tbsp preserved lemon*
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 2-3 tbsp water
  • sea salt | dulse to taste

Method

 

Iron Maiden Pesto

 

PROCESS | BLEND – garlic, cashews + pumpkin seeds blitz 10 sec or until the mix resembles breadcrumbs.

 

ADD the remaining ingredients: process or blend to a semi-smooth texture. Add water if the pesto is too thick.

 

TASTE and adjust lemon juice | vinegar + salt to taste.

 

STORE in a glass container with a lid, in the fridge.

 


Serving Ideas
Dressing for salads, and vegetables.
White Bean & Cucumber Salad
Dip or spread
Mix with steamed potatoes, cauliflower – any veg you like.
Marinate for chicken, lamb or fish.
Pasta & Green Beans
Tomato, Burrata & Olive Board
Summer Vegetable Pasta Salad
Tomato, Mozzarella & Basil Salad.
top soups & stews.

Chef Hat Icon Chef tips + Ingredient Swaps + Ideas

SWAP SPINACH for or use a mix of – arugula | rocket, spinach, baby kale, mixed spring greens, Hakurei Turnip greens.

 

SWAP cashew or pumpkin seeds – sunflower seeds, pinenuts, almonds, hazelnuts or walnuts.

 

ADD HERBS – use a mix of chives, basil, chervil, scallions.  You can add sorrel or dandelion greens; the pesto flavour will change.

 

*SWAP Preserved lemon for lemon juice or use 1tbsp vinegar apple cider or white wine < taste – add more to your liking.

 

GARLIC – use cloves, scapes or garlic chives OR swap for scallions, chives

 

TEXTURE – Pesto is not a smooth puree unless you like it that way.

 

OIL-FREE if you want to add oil, use olive oil or a fresh, light neutral oil.  Tahini is a great addition, but it will change the flavour.

 

SPICE it up by adding a pinch of dried chilli flakes.

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