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10-Minute Black Garlic Sweet Pea Pesto Appetizers

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**Disclosure: I received free samples of Libby’s new Vegetable Pouches mentioned in this post. By posting this recipe I am entering a recipe contest sponsored by Libby’s and am eligible to win prizes associated with the contest. I was not compensated for my time.**

You know that I am a college student living in a dorm with not the best kitchen access (but still 100x better than most!) and little time. What if I wanted to host a small get together in my dorm room? What could I whip up in under 10 minutes and with minimal space, appliances, and with quick ease? That’s where Libby’s Fruits & Vegetables new Vegetable Pouches comes in!

10-Minute Black Garlic Sweet Pea Pesto Appetizers | Strength and Sunshine @RebeccaGF666 #glutenfree #vegan #paleo #appetizer

Everyone is familiar with Libby’s famous Pumpkin Puree (the only pumpkin puree you’ll find in my cabinet!), but they are also coming out with a new product which is these veggie pouches! What makes them so cool is how quick, effortless, and simple they are!

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Libby's Vegetable Pouches | Strength and Sunshine

These shelf-stable and microwavable veggie pouches are 100% farm fresh, packaged in environmentally-friendly material, BPA-Free, flexible, and easy to store. All you have to do is rip the corner of the package a bit to vent, and then microwave the package standing up for only 40-50 seconds! Then just drain and use to your liking. You can have your healthy veggies ready in a flash which makes them perfect to use as the star ingredient in a quick appetizer, side, salad, even soup!

Ingredients | Strength and Sunshine

As a Recipe ReDux member, I was tasked to create either an appetizer, soup, salad, or side dish in under 10 minutes using Libby’s new pouches. Minimal ingredients, minimal work, and ready in a flash was the name of the game. I’d say this was the perfect opportunity to let you all see that if a college girl with minimal resources could make a crazy awesome appetizer, anyone can! All you need are the ingredients above, along with a small food processor and of course a microwave!

10-Minute Black Garlic Sweet Pea Pesto Appetizers | Strength and Sunshine @RebeccaGF666 #glutenfree #vegan #paleo #appetizer

This came together so quickly, I even surprised myself! It’s perfect! When you get a call from some friends asking if they can drop by in 10 minutes, you no longer need to panic! You can quickly whip these up and impress with a fabulous healthy gluten-free, vegan, paleo, veggie-packed appetizer! I think they look so cute too!

10-Minute Black Garlic Sweet Pea Pesto Appetizers | Strength and Sunshine @RebeccaGF666 #glutenfree #vegan #paleo #appetizer

Now what makes these seemingly simple appetizers so special? (Besides the quick veggie pouches that is!) Well, I used black garlic! What is black garlic? It is actually fermented garlic for 1 month in a special high-heat process. This produces a rich black color with a soft, chewy texture and a mild, sweet-savory taste that might be classified as “umami” (the fifth taste). I got this gem from Frieda’s and thought this would be the perfect opportunity to use it!

10-Minute Black Garlic Sweet Pea Pesto Appetizers | Strength and Sunshine @RebeccaGF666 #glutenfree #vegan #paleo #appetizer

If you don’t have black garlic you can use normal roasted garlic with a splash of good balsamic! Still tasty and still super easy!

10-Minute Black Garlic Sweet Pea Pesto Appetizers | Strength and Sunshine @RebeccaGF666 #glutenfree #vegan #paleo #appetizer

These appetizers are sweet, savory, garlicky, and easily eaten with your hands! The cucumber provides the perfect thick base and nice crunch! You could also use the pesto as a dip for carrots and celery, or even a spread for crackers! (Maybe make a sandwich with any leftovers!

10-Minute Black Garlic Sweet Pea Pesto Appetizers

10-Minute Black Garlic Sweet Pea Pesto Appetizers | Strength and Sunshine @RebeccaGF666 #glutenfree #vegan #paleo #appetizer

Ingredients: (serves 4-6)

+ 1 Package of Libby’s Sweet Pea Vegetable Pouches (1 1/2 cups of Sweet Peas)

+ 4 Cloves of Black Garlic (or 4 cloves of roasted garlic with 1 TB Balsamic Vinegar)

+ 1/2 Tsp Onion Powder

+ 1/4 Tsp Black Pepper

+ 1 Tsp Dried Basil (plus more for garnish)

+ 2 Medium Cucumbers (cut into 1/2 inch thick rounds)

Directions: 

+ Microwave the Sweet Pea veggie pouch according to directions, drain the water, and pour the peas into a food processor.

+ Add to the processor the garlic, onion powder, pepper, and basil.

+ Process until mostly smooth. Scrap the sides and make sure everything is equally distributed throughout the pesto.

+ Simply dollop about 1 tablespoon of the pesto on to each cucumber round and plate! Then sprinkle the dish with additional basil to make look even prettier 😉

10-Minute Black Garlic Sweet Pea Pesto Appetizers | Strength and Sunshine @RebeccaGF666 #glutenfree #vegan #paleo #appetizer

That’s it! Can you make a tastier, quicker, appetizer than that? I challenge you to try! Libby’s Vegetable pouches will be out in select Walmart stores this Fall, but won’t be out nationally until January 2015. The other varieties (besides the sweet peas) that they have are: sweet corn, sliced carrots, cut green beans, and mixed vegetables!

10-Minute Black Garlic Sweet Pea Pesto Appetizers | Strength and Sunshine @RebeccaGF666 #glutenfree #vegan #paleo #appetizer

That’s a wrap! I hope you really give these a try when you need a quick healthy appetizer solution for entertaining! It would also be perfect to whip up for any holiday gatherings! No stress here, but so impressive to your guests!

So tell me:

+ What is your go-to appetizer when you have guests over?

+ What would you make with Libby’s new Vegetable Pouches?

 

*Recipe linking up for the week! Allergy Free Wednesdays, #RecipeFridays, #RecipeOfTheWeek, #StrangeButGood, Gluten-Free Wednesdays, Real Food Friday, Gluten-Free Fridays, Tasty Tuesdays, Savoring Saturdays, Healthy Vegan Fridays, #WeekendBites, Real Food Recipe Roundup, Tasty Tuesdays, Meatless Mondays, Lena’s Tasty Tuesdays!*

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Comments

  5. kimmythevegan says

    Black garlic huh? I haven’t seen that around yet, but I’ll be sure to keep my eyes open for it – it sounds great.
    I love the idea of a super quick appetizer for last minute guests! Or just for me haha ;p
    Thanks for sharing this over at Healthy Vegan Fridays. I have pinned & shared your recipe.

    Reply

    • Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says

      Well if you love normal garlic, then this will blow your mind 😉 It’s sweet and “balsamicy”, just plain awesome!

      Reply

  7. Deborah Davis says

    Hi Rebecca,
    I love to have a few quick and easy appetizer recipes like these on hand social emergencies and surprise guests so thank you so much for sharing this black garlic sweet pea pesto recipe at the Healthy, Happy, Green and Natural Party Blog Hop. I appreciate it!

    Reply

  10. vegetarianmamma (Cindy) says

    Thanks for linking up at our Gluten Free Fridays Party! I have tweeted and pinned your entry to our Gluten Free Fridays board on Pinterest! 🙂 I can’t wait to see what you share next time!
    -Cindy

    Reply

  12. Marla says

    Hi Rebecca,
    Sounds quite tasty and healthy. I love that you use the fresh cucumbers for the sauce. Thanks for sharing on Real food Fridays blog hop. Pinned & twitted.

    Reply

  14. Chaitali says

    Wow, these look so cool and so easy! I’ve never tried black garlic before or the Libby’s veggie pouches. I’m going to have to look for both at the grocery store.

    Reply

    • Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says

      I wasn’t sure how the black garlic would taste, but it was fantastic!
      Cold quinoa salads are so great! You can make huge batches and hoard some leftovers too 😉

      Reply

    • Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says

      PEA PATE! Haha 😉
      You don’t even know the struggle these photos caused…(i.e. taken in a dorm room with no windows and and ugly overhead light and then tried to fix by editing them…a lot!)

      Reply

  31. Karen says

    Your appetizers look delicious! I’ve never seen black garlic, but I’m intrigued now and really want to look it up.
    I’m adding these to my appetizer collection. Thanks for sharing – pinning & tweeting.

    Reply

    • Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says

      Thanks! Black garlic is amazing! I don’t like a strong garlic flavor, but this garlic is so mild and sweet!

      Reply

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rebecca

Meet Rebecca

Hey there, welcome to Strength and Sunshine! I’m Rebecca and I’m so glad you’re here! This is your go-to destination for delicious, fun, and (mostly) healthy gluten-free and allergy-free recipes, tips & tricks, advice, as well as celiac and food allergy coaching services!

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