Pistou Radish Leaf Pesto
Erin Rains
The first thing that comes to mind is how versatile pistou radish leaf pesto can be. It's a true culinary chameleon. You can use it as a sauce for pasta, a drizzle on grilled chicken, or even a smear on crusty bread.
Prep Time 30 minutes mins
Cook Time 0 minutes mins
Total Time 30 minutes mins
Course Condiment
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 140 kcal
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest to enhance the citrus aroma and freshness
- 4 cloves garlic finely chopped
- ½ cup sliced or slivered almonds or coarsely chopped macadamia nuts, pistachios, or pine nuts
- ⅓ cup extra-virgin olive oil plus more as needed
- 4 cups packed radish tops (that’s about 4 good handfuls), washed and dried
- 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast which adds a savory, cheesy flavor and boosts nutrition
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- ½ large lemon juiced (approximately 2 tablespoons)
Step 1: Prepare the Radish Tops
Step 2: Combine Ingredients in a Blender or Food Processor
Add the freshly washed radish tops, garlic, sliced almonds, Parmesan cheese, and lemon zest to a blender or food processor. It's like a vibrant green party in there! Make sure not to overfill; you may need to do this in batches depending on your equipment's size.
Step 3: Blend Until Smooth
Step 4: Add Olive Oil and Lemon Juice
With the blender running, slowly pour in the extra-virgin olive oil. This helps to emulsify the mix. Then, squeeze the juice of half a lemon into the pesto. Blend until the pesto reaches a creamy consistency.
Step 5: Season to Taste
Once blended, taste your creation. Add salt and freshly cracked black pepper as you see fit. A little taste adjustment can go a long way. If it feels too thick, you can add a hint of water or more olive oil to achieve your desired consistency.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresher radish tops will provide a bolder flavor. Choose vibrant greens that are firm and not yellowing.
- Nuts Can Vary: Swap out almonds for other nuts like walnuts or sunflower seeds depending on your taste. This will give different dimensions to your pesto.
- Balance the Flavors: Always taste and adjust the balance of salt, lemon juice, and olive oil. You want it to sing!
- Add Extra Nutrients: Toss in some spinach or kale for added nutrition. They blend well and can elevate the flavor.
- Experiment: Try adding a hint of chili flakes for a kick. Or mix in some sun-dried tomatoes for a fruity twist.
Calories: 140kcalCarbohydrates: 3gProtein: 3gFat: 14gFiber: 1g
Keyword Pistou Radish Leaf Pesto