When you think of pesto, what comes to mind? Your first thought is probably basil, and then maybe parmesan cheese and pine nuts. Yes, basil makes a delicious and classic tasting pesto, but I challenge you to think beyond basil!
Dream bigger than basil
As you’ll see in the recipe, for the “greens” part of this pesto, you can really use any type of green- from arugula, to cilantro, to mustard greens. Essentially, if you have wilting greens in the fridge or come across an excess of greens from the farmers market or your backyard that you don’t know what to do with – make pesto!
Dream bigger (and more cost effective) than pine nuts
The same goes for cheese and nuts – you can go beyond parmesan and pine nuts. I love the rich, nuttiness of pinons (pine nuts), but they can be rather pricy, so you can experiment with other nuts or even sunflower or pumpkin seeds! I’ve made pesto with students in an elementary school, and to avoid the nut-allergy issues,
When working with schools in the past, to avoid any nut-allergy issues in schools, I’ve I used sunflower seeds, and it came out delicious (and kid-approved!)
Time to break out that mortar and pestle?
And lastly, this recipe gives you the choice to use a mortar and pestle or a blender/food processor. If you have a mortar and pestle, use it – it will be worth it. For some reason, pesto made in one tastes better, and the flavors combine seamlessly. If not, no fear, your pesto will still taste great in a blender.
Garden Pesto
Ingredients
- 2 cups packed fresh greens such as: basil, parsley, arugula, cilantro, quelites (spinach), kale, mustard greens, broccoli, watercress, etc!)
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1/4 cup nuts or seeds such as: pinon (pine nut), pecan, walnut, almond, pumpkin seed, sunflower seed, etc
- 1/2 cup cheese such as: parmesan, cheddar, mozzarella, feta, cojita, etc
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp salt
- pinch fresh black pepper
Instructions
If using a Mortar & Pestle
- Start with garlic, nuts, salt, and pepper – mash & grind to a paste
- Add a handful of greens and cheese; mash them until almost paste-like
- Squeeze some lemon as you go, to avoid the greens from turning dark
- Continue adding greens, until all greens and cheese have been mashed until a smooth consistency
- Add oil, and stir until it reaches a sauce-like consistency
If Using a Blender or Food Processor
- Blend all ingredients, except oil, in a blender or food processor
- Slowly drizzle in oil while blender is on low
To serve
- Taste to see if you need to add anything!
- Serve on pasta, bread, roasted vegetables, eggs, pizza, meat, poultry. fish, beans or dip your veggies into it!
