Seasonal Green Pesto

Pesto sauce has roots in the Liguria region of Northern Italy, but a similar version dates back to ancient Rome when it was commonly made with a mortar and pestle.

Ingredients:

4 cups seasonal greens (basil, garlic scapes, kale, spinach, chard, arugula)

2 cloves garlic, peeled and minced

1 lemon, zested and juiced

½ cup pumpkin seeds, raw walnuts OR pine nuts

½ cup extra-virgin olive oil

½ tsp salt

Optional:

½ cup Parmesan cheese

Equipment:

Skillet

Cutting board

Kitchen knife

Food processor, blender OR mortar and pestle

Measuring cups and spoons

Spatula

Lemon juicer OR fork

Ingredients:

4 cups seasonal greens (basil, garlic scapes, kale, spinach, chard, arugula)

2 cloves garlic, peeled and minced

1 lemon, zested and juiced

½ cup pumpkin seeds, raw walnuts OR pine nuts

½ cup extra-virgin olive oil

½ tsp salt

Optional:

½ cup Parmesan cheese

Equipment:

Skillet

Cutting board

Kitchen knife

Food processor, blender OR mortar and pestle

Measuring cups and spoons

Spatula

Lemon juicer OR fork

Directions:

Customize this recipe with your choice of fresh, seasonal greens. Use any of the suggested greens and play with the ingredients for more intense or subtle flavor!

  1. Gather all the ingredients and equipment. Wash the produce and prepare it as detailed in the ingredients list.
  2. Place a skillet over medium heat and add the seeds or nuts. Roast the seeds or nuts, stirring frequently for 5 minutes, until they are fragrant. Remove from the pan and allow them to cool in a bowl.
  3. If there are any thick, tough stems in the greens then break them off and roughly tear apart the leaves.
  4. Add all the ingredients to a food processor and pulse until creamy. Scrape down the sides with a spatula when needed.