Pesto is a true classic that always works and this particular pesto made from avocado is a recipe that we love. The dish is made by Diana Gran, a food-loving home cook who came fourth in Swedish Masterchef 2021. The avocado pesto is served with chicken, white beans and peas - together they make a healthy and filling meal that is perfect for pregnant women.

If you don't have time to make your own pesto, it's okay to buy ready-made and mix with a ripe avocado. Diana makes it herself when she doesn't have the time (which can be often)... and it's just as good! The pesto becomes extra creamy, almost creamy, with avocado in it.

Recipe for avocado pesto with chicken

For two people
Cooking time: about 20 min

Ingredients:
250 g large canned white beans (have more beans if you're hungry)
2 dl frozen green peas
2 chicken fillets

Ingredients for avocado pesto:
1 ripe avocado
1 bunch of basil
1 clove of garlic
1 dl of good olive oil
1 dl grated parmesan
½ dl pine nuts or soaked cashew nuts

Do this:
1. If you make the pesto yourself, mix all the ingredients for the pesto in a hand blender. If you buy ready-made pesto, mix with a ripe avocado in a bowl.
2. Boil the peas for 1 minute. Cool down with cold water.
3. Salt and pepper the chicken fillets. Fry the chicken in olive oil for about 10 minutes over medium heat. Put the lid on halfway through to keep the chicken juicy.
4. Drain the beans and pour them into a bowl. Add the peas and pesto, mix.
5. Plate as shown in the picture. This dish is equally good cold or warm. I think it's almost better cold, so it can be prepared in advance.

Three healthy ingredients for pregnant women:

White beans are an important source of iron, which many people do not get enough of during pregnancy. Beans are also high in fiber, which helps with constipation, which is not uncommon.

Avocado contains folic acid which is important in early pregnancy. Avocados are high in iron, which is a good alternative to meat. It is also high in minerals, vitamins and healthy fats. In addition, avocados contain choline, which is important for the baby's brain and nervous system development.

Chicken is a lean protein with essential vitamins and minerals for pregnant women. 100g of chicken covers 50% of the daily protein requirement for pregnant women. Chicken also contains omega 3 and choline which are essential for fetal brain development.

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Diana Gran is a food-loving home chef who came fourth in Sveriges Mästerkock 2021. In addition to cooking, Diana is a photographer and artist. She lives in Paris, is pregnant with her first child and is passionate about good and great food! If you are curious about Diana, you can find more of her and her recipes easily on instagram under @dianasdeliciousdiary.

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