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3 Quick Pesto Recipes to Eat More Leafy Greens

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3 recipes
vegetariangluten-freenut-free

Kale pesto is a modern twist on the traditional Italian basil pesto, which hails from the Liguria region. This vibrant green sauce celebrates the nutritious qualities of kale, making it a popular choice for health-conscious eaters. While classic pesto is often made with basil, the use of kale adds a unique flavor and texture, making it a versatile ingredient in various dishes. Today, kale pesto is embraced globally, often used in pasta, sandwiches, and as a dip.

Ingredients

  • โ—kale
  • โ—basil
  • โ—pine nuts
  • โ—garlic
  • โ—parmesan cheese
  • โ—olive oil
  • โ—lemon juice
  • โ—salt
  • โ—black pepper

Instructions

  1. 1Wash kale and remove stems.
  2. 2Blanch kale in boiling water for 1-2 minutes, then transfer to ice water to cool.
  3. 3Drain kale and squeeze out excess moisture.
  4. 4Combine kale, basil, pine nuts, garlic, and parmesan cheese in a food processor.
  5. 5Pulse until finely chopped, scraping down the sides as needed.
  6. 6With the processor running, slowly drizzle in olive oil until smooth and creamy.
  7. 7Add lemon juice, salt, and black pepper to taste, and pulse to combine.
  8. 8Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Ingredient Alternatives

pine nuts

Healthier: walnuts

Cheaper: sunflower seeds

Walnuts are less expensive and add a similar texture.

parmesan cheese

Healthier: nutritional yeast

Cheaper: pecorino cheese

Nutritional yeast is dairy-free and adds a cheesy flavor.

Techniques

blanchingpulsing

Equipment

food processorpotice bath
๐ŸŒถ๏ธ๐ŸŒถ๏ธ๐ŸŒถ๏ธLowmilktree-nuts

Also Known As

Kale Pesto SauceKale Basil Pesto
vegetariangluten-freenut-free

Originating from the Liguria region of Italy, Basil Pesto has roots in the 19th century, traditionally made with a mortar and pestle. This vibrant sauce is a staple in Italian cuisine, often served with pasta or as a spread. Today, pesto has gained global popularity, inspiring countless variations with different herbs and nuts.

Ingredients

  • โ—fresh basil leaves
  • โ—pine nuts
  • โ—garlic
  • โ—Parmesan cheese
  • โ—extra virgin olive oil
  • โ—lemon juice
  • โ—salt

Instructions

  1. 1Combine fresh basil leaves, pine nuts, and garlic in a food processor.
  2. 2Pulse until finely chopped, scraping down the sides as needed.
  3. 3Add Parmesan cheese and lemon juice, then pulse to combine.
  4. 4With the processor running, slowly drizzle in extra virgin olive oil until smooth.
  5. 5Season with salt to taste and pulse briefly to mix.
  6. 6Transfer to a jar and drizzle a thin layer of olive oil on top to preserve.

Ingredient Alternatives

pine nuts

Healthier: walnuts

Cheaper: sunflower seeds

Walnuts are more affordable and provide a similar texture.

Parmesan cheese

Healthier: nutritional yeast

Cheaper: Grana Padano

Nutritional yeast is dairy-free and lower in calories.

Techniques

blendingemulsifying

Equipment

food processorjarspatula
๐ŸŒถ๏ธ๐ŸŒถ๏ธ๐ŸŒถ๏ธLownutsdairy

Also Known As

Pesto alla Genovese
vegetariangluten-freenut-free

Pesto is traditionally made with basil, but this variation uses beet greens for a unique flavor and vibrant color.

Ingredients

  • โ—2 cups beet greens, washed and chopped
  • โ—1/2 cup walnuts, toasted
  • โ—1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • โ—2 cloves garlic, minced
  • โ—1/2 cup olive oil
  • โ—1/2 tsp salt
  • โ—1/4 tsp black pepper
  • โ—1 tbsp lemon juice

Instructions

  1. 1In a food processor, combine the beet greens, toasted walnuts, Parmesan cheese, and minced garlic.
  2. 2Pulse the mixture until finely chopped.
  3. 3With the food processor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the pesto reaches your desired consistency.
  4. 4Add salt, black pepper, and lemon juice, then pulse again to combine.
  5. 5Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
  6. 6Transfer the pesto to a jar or container and store in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Equipment

food processorjar or container

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