QUICK HERBY PASTA SAUCE

4 servings, 15 minutes

INSTRUCTIONS

Sauce

• 2 cups fresh basil leaves (loosely packed)

• 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves

• 1/4 cup green onions, chopped

• 1/3 cup soaked raw cashews (quick soak in hot water for 15–20 min, then drain)OR 1/3 cup ripe avocado

• 1 1/4 cups full-fat coconut milk

• 1 tsp dried oregano

• Juice of 1 lemon

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Optional: 1–2 tsp finely minced fresh lemongrass (use tender inner stalk only; peel outer layers and mince very fine or pound into a paste before blending)

Veggie add-ins (optional but gives a nice bitter balance)

• 2 cups kale, chopped, stems removed

Pasta options

• 8 medium zucchinis for zucchini noodles (best for kapha)

• 10-12 oz dried quinoa or brown rice pasta (tridoshic but better for vata & pitta)
  

DIRECTIONS

1. Make the sauce: Add all ingredients to a blender or food processor and blend until smooth, set aside.

2. If using pasta: cook pasta according to package directions and mix with sauce and kale while still warm so the kale wilts with the warmth of the noodles. Simmer for 2-3 minutes with sauce, pasta, and kale if needed to wilt the kale.

3. If using zucchini noodles: Place spiralized zucchini noodles in a colander. Lightly sprinkle with a pinch of salt. Let sit for 10–15 minutes to draw out excess moisture. Pat dry with a clean towel.

4. Quick Sauté of the zucchini noodles (just enough to warm + soften slightly):

   • Heat 1–2 tsp ghee or avocado oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

   • Add the zoodles and kale and sauté for 2–3 minutes, stirring gently.

   • You want them just tender with a slight crunch, not limp or watery.

   • Remove from heat immediately once they hit that al dente texture and serve with the sauce.

#vata #pitta #kapha #sauce #summer #spring #under15minutes #lunch #dinner

Notes

• Your go-to delicious green sauce when you have a bunch of basil but you don't want to make a pesto.

• This goes great with pasta but can also be used as an accompaniment to other dishes or grains as well - grain bowls, roasted veggies, cooked chicken/ turkey/ fish, cooked whole grains in general.

• If pairing this sauce with meat, remember to not pair it with meat AND a grain especially if you are kapha that would be too heavy - what you could do is pair it with meat and a cooked veggie - that would be a better balanced meal.