Roasted Broccoli with Hemp Pesto

This side goes well with everything! Below are some of my favorite lunch and dinner combos.

Lunch: with pan-seared chicken cubes in olive oil and fresh lemon juice & quinoa

Dinner: whole-wheat or buckwheat pasta

(2 servings)

1 whole broccoli

50g fresh basil

1 ½ tbsp of hemp seeds

1 tbsp fresh lemon juice

3 tbsp EVOO

2-3 tbsp water (to adjust texture)

2 tbsp nutritional yeast (optional, but it adds that yummy cheesy flavor and many B vitamins – including vitamin B12!)

Salt & pepper, to taste

Chili flakes (optional)

Preheat oven to 400F (200C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper
Cut broccoli florets into bite-sized pieces. Place broccoli florets on the baking sheet. Toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread evenly on the baking sheet. Roast for approximately 15-20 minutes.
For the dressing, place basil, hemp seeds, lemon juice, olive oil, and (optional) nutritional yeast in a blender. Add water to adjust consistency. Blend until smooth and creamy.
Once cooked, toss broccoli with hemp pesto (see “When & How” to find out the perfect functional combo).

Broccoli should be well-done. Broccoli naturally contains goitrogens, substances that interfere with thyroid function and metabolism. But don’t worry, cooking destroys these substances!

Rich in vitamin C, a potent antioxidant and an immunity vitamin.

A good source of plant omega-3, omega-6, and proteins.

It’s an adaptogen and so helps regulate the body’s response to stress. This plant has relaxing properties and helps with water retention.