Spinach Pesto

I wanted an inexpensive vegan pesto I could make with ingredients I had on hand. That meant I didn't want to use basil or pine nuts. I would use basil if I had some in my garden but it's too expensive to buy otherwise. I don't have pine nuts in my kitchen but I do have walnuts. This is what I came up with. 

1/2 cup walnut pieces
5 large cloves garlic
1/4 cup lemon juice
1/3 cup yeast flakes
1/2 tsp. salt
6 Tbsp. olive oil
2 Tbsp. water
4 cups spinach leaves, packed

Combine all ingredients in a food processor and process until all ingredients are finely ground and well mixed. Toss with hot cooked pasta or freeze for later use. 

Variation: Replace half the walnuts with hemp seeds.