Here’s a fabulously SIMPLE and easy way to create a vitamin C rich pesto sauce or dip with Chickweed. Read on to learn about the medicinal properties of Chickweed and be amazed at how nutrient dense this silky, delicate plant actually is. 25% of your daily protein intake? You bet!
The soft, delicate and JUICY leaves of Chickweed (Stellaria media) are the superstars of this recipe. Rich in vitamin C, this herb has a long history of use in dry skin, eczema, psoriasis and inflammation and rheumatism of the joints. The qualities of Chickweed are cooling and calming which makes this plant the perfect choice for an anti-inflammatory twist to your humble pesto pasta.
Chickweed heals inner inflammation
Part of the anti-inflammatory action is the vitamin C content as well as gamma linoleic acid. 100 grams of fresh Chickweed provides 80% of the recommended daily intake of this antioxidant vitamin. Chickweed is also rich in protein, great news for vegetarians and vegans looking for a protein rich alternative to basil pesto. That’s Chickweed! In the same 100 grams of fresh herb you’ll be loving your body up with 14.5g of pure protein which is around 25% of the recommended daily intake. Birds love this plant by the way. So be a birdy. Chirp chirp!
How much Chickweed to peck?
From a herbalist perspective, we use up to 15 grams daily for a therapeutic effect. So if you harvest 15 – 30 grams you’ll be ingesting a nice, healing dose!
Chickweed Pesto
INGREDIENTS
- 3 – 4 handfuls of freshly harvested Chickweed leaves and stems (flowers are fine to include as well)
- 1 Garlic clove crushed
- 1/3 cup sunflower and pumpkin seeds
- Cashews or Pine nuts may be added if you wish (optional)
- 1 tsp Himalaya salt
- Pepper can be added if you wish
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/3 cup Olive oil
METHOD
- Wash the Chickweed gently, and chop up roughly, set aside.
- Combine all ingredients in a blender and blend until roughly combined (see below)
- Serve as a dip, condiment or on pasta
Just pop it all in the blender! So easy!
And there you go, it’s such an easy and delicious dish to prepare and it goes superbly with pasta, topped with Parsley and Feta. Or you might like to try a dab on crackers with some creamy Goats cheese or Feta.
Hey there! Welcome to my world of totally natural and powerful healing medicines. Medicines from nature. Medicine from Source. I’m a naturopath and herbalist with extensive clinical experience working with a range of health conditions including hormonal, metabolic, mental health, sleep and more.
I’ve brought together years of clinical and teaching experience, academic skill and curiosity to bring you this blog. I hope you enjoy it! If you do, leave a comment, I’d love to hear from you!
