Sunday 26 June 2016

The Best Garlic Bread | Topped with Kale & Basil Pesto


If this isn't the definition of delicious, I don't know what is. I'm sure there are many more out there who can never let go of eating garlic. Why would you anyway? And, what's even better is that this recipe has a wonderful gourmet Italian touch with a basil and Kale flavour. Yes, say no more.


Jude and I are fasting this month, so for those who don't know, we are 3 weeks into Ramadan. Ramadan is a month where you allow yourself to feel with those who have very little food, as well as a month to practice more kindness, self-love, stronger faith, patience and will power. It is a magical month, but unfortunately this year it falls in the Summer. And, on the longest day. Fasting starts from dawn to sunset. So, dehydration... As you may imagine, is experienced daily. 


However, there are many health benefits that occur with such a fast, as you are shutting down your system entirely without the interruption of food and water. It comes with powerful cleansing and spiritual benefits. So this week, we CRAVED garlic, craved bread, craved food, craved water and craved flavour. I then found that the best appetizer to enjoy with the food while breaking the fast is this amazing taste of garlic bread with the addition of Kale and Basil pesto.

INGREDIENTS:


Basil & Kale Pesto

1/2 cup basil leaves (4-5 large leaves)
1 1/2 cup kale leaves (cut and torn for easier blending)
2 tablespoons almonds
2 tablespoons minced garlic (2 garlic cloves)
4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

Garlic Spread

4 tablespoons minced garlic (4 garlic cloves)
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
2 pinches of salt & black pepper

Others

1 baguette of your choice of bread 
(go brown or whole wheat for a healthier option)


KALE! What a crunchy beauty.


And, this... This is our lovely basil plant. We have SO much love for this plant as it gives us extremely fresh and tasty basil leaves. Thank you! 


Measure 2 cups of Basil & Kale with measuring cups or just regular glass cups; with the portions of 1.5 cups Kale leaves and 1/2 cup basil leaves.



2 cloves of garlic for the pesto will be needed.



Almond, the best addition to this pesto and filled with nutritious benefits; healthy fats, fibres, protein, magnesium and more. 


Now, with all these ingredients ready, and with the addition of the olive oil, put them all in a food processor. Since, I have a huge food processor, I chose to put all the ingredients in the blender and kept blending on and off for 10-12 minutes. And, as you blend the pesto ingredients you can start your oven and preheat to 350° F.


Ta da. Scoop ingredients out of the processor once smooth. Now you have this green delicious paste.


As for the garlic spread, mix the ingredients together; 4 garlic cloves and 1/2 cup olive oil with the salt and black pepper. 


With these two dips, one being the pesto and the other garlic, apply to the bread as much as you want, you could save a little pesto for later, but we think the more you put the tastier it will be.


Now, grab your baguette, split it in half and apply the garlic sauce first, then the kale & basil pesto and put it in the oven for 15 minutes on 350° F heat.


Once it's done, take the baguette out and start slicing the bread for serving. 


And there you have it, the best Kale and Basil garlic bread! You can share it with friends and family, take it to pot-lucks, events and more...


Printable Summary: 

Prep time: 10 - 15 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Serving(s): 7-11 servings

INGREDIENTS:

Basil & Kale Pesto
1/2 cup basil leaves (4-5 large leaves)
1 1/2 cup kale leaves (cut and torn for easier blending)
2 tablespoons almonds
2 tablespoons minced garlic (2 garlic cloves)
4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

Garlic Spread
4 tablespoons minced garlic (4 garlic cloves)
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
2 pinches of salt & black pepper

Others1 baguette of your choice of bread
(go brown or whole wheat for a healthier option)

INSTRUCTIONS:
1. Preheat oven to 350° F.
2. Combine basil, kale, olive oil, almonds and garlic in a food processor, mixing until smooth with frequent stops to stir and scrape as needed. Scrape it all off into a bowl.
3. As for the garlic spread, stir together garlic, olive oil, salt and pepper, in a small bowl. 
3. Cut your baguette in half and place both long pieces on baking sheets. First spread the garlic mix evenly on both halves. Then, spread the pesto the same way using as much as you like.
4. Put your baguette in the oven and bake for 15 minutes. Once the bread is crisp and a little brown, remove from the oven. 
5. Slice the bread into small pieces and serve.

Stay gold, 

Selftimers

8 comments:

  1. uff this looks so delish !!

    www.FrankoDean.com

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  2. This recipe seems delicious! Thanks for sharing :)

    xx

    Claire from Dresscape
    www.dresscape.com

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  3. Ahh this looks amazing, definitely gonna try it out soon!
    xx Alyssa
    visionsofnyc.blogspot.com

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  4. I love this recipe. Such a great way to eat kale. Great blog post darling!

    ❤︎
    Dakota D.
    http://fannypacksandvisors.com
    Instagram: @missdsquared413

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  5. OMG this looks delish!! Please check out my latest summer hair tutorials with ghd.

    Kisses xo | From Aliona With Love

    Instagram @alionawithlove

    Twitter @alionawithlove

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  6. This recipe looks insane! Have just saved the link to try later on...love it :)
    Feel free to check out our latest post x
    LOOK LOVE WEAR

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  7. Me! I'll never let go of garlic! lol. This looks so good. Thanks for sharing the recipe and the info about Ramadan!

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  8. OMG!! I am such a sucker for garlic bread and this recipe is just perfect timing! I would bug my partner to make this for me! It looks so goooood! <3

    xx, Ella | Wandering Ella

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