How many kale recipes have you come across in which the directions tell you to reserve the stems for “another use” or even discard them altogether? Well, friends, this is your other use. Those rigid stems and ribs we often remove are the star of the show here, and they’re every bit as fresh and earthy as their leafy counterparts. Used raw, they’re a great pairing for the tangy lemon in this pesto. You’re not solely limited to kale stems, either; try this with your other neglected stems, such as collards, cauliflower, or broccoli.
Kale Stem Pesto [Vegan]
Serves
781
Ingredients
- 1 cup (100 g) chopped kale stems
- 1/2 cup (30 g) packed fresh parsley with stems
- 1/2 cup (50 g) toasted walnuts
- 3 garlic cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- 1/4 to 1/2 cup (60 to 120 ml) olive oil
Preparation
- Add all the ingredients except the oil to a food processor and pulse until crumbly, scraping down the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula as needed.
- Continue pulsing and add the oil in a slow, steady stream until well blended. Some people like their pesto super smooth, but if you prefer a bit of texture, so process to your liking.
- For a thick paste that you can spread onto sandwiches and pizzas, use only 1/4 cup (60 ml) of oil. For a thin sauce that you can stir into pastas and soups, use a full 1/2 cup (120 ml).
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Kale
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About The Author
Linda Ly
See My Recipes Isn't it about time to start nose-to-tail cooking with vegetables? Learn how to make the most of the edibles in your garden or the farmer's market bounty!
The No Waste Vegetable Cookbook will help you cook your way through greens, beans, roots, and herbs with seasonal recipes that utilize every edible part of the plant. Author Linda Ly shares a wide variety of recipes and techniques from her popular CSA Cookbook, from creative pickling (think watermelon rind) to perfect pestos. Whether you're excited to make the most of the farmer's market or use every bit of your garden's bounty, this is the book that keeps the food on your table and out of the trash can (or compost bin)!
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