Do you ever find yourself with leftover greens from last week's share just as you are getting fresh, new ones? Juicing, smoothies, and pestos are all great ways to preserve those greens. I love pestos in particular because they make for a super quick meal that is both nutritious and delicious when I get home late from harvesting vegetables! I will often add it to stir-fried veggies, quiche, or use it as a sandwich spread.
The beauty of pesto is that you can make it out of anything. Crew member Aimee made a delicious basil and chickweed pesto earlier this Spring. I like to mix in 50% herbs with 50% leafy greens for a vitamin-filled flavor boost to an endless variety of meals.
PESTO
I usually make pesto without measuring anything, except sometimes the salt. So, instead of giving you a recipe, here is a tutorial on how I can make pesto out of anything.
Step 1: Wash your greens and herbs. You can choose from a huge variety of greens, but I would avoid lettuces. Some great options include:
- Kale
- Spinach
- Chard
- Arugula
- Basil
- Parsley
- Cilantro
Step 2: Choose your alliums. A little goes a long way, but great ideas include:
- Caramelized Onion
- Green Onion Tops
- Garlic Scapes
- Roasted Garlic
- Raw Garlic
Step 3: Choose your oil. Olive oil is the most classic option, but if you are going for a cilantro - garlic blend, peanut or sesame oil may be a better choice.
Step 4: Choose your special touches. Popular choices include parmesan, walnuts, pine nuts or sunflower seeds.
Step 5: Food process. A blender works as well. I fill the processor up with greens, a handful of onion goodness, top it off with a pour of oil, and blend. After the greens blend down, I ask myself "do I want this chunkier or oilier?". I continue to add greens and oil until it reaches the consistency I like. At the very end I will add the nuts or seeds, and pulse.
Step 6: Finish. I continue in this way until I have processed multiple batches, and all of my greens are processed. I scoop each batch into a large bowl, and mix them all together. At the very end, I add salt until it reaches the flavor I like best. Then I divide into plastic containers and freeze until I want it!
Don't forget to taste test!