Carrot top pesto

Farmer’s market carrot top pesto: Who doesn’t walk through their local fruit and vegetable market without gathering inspiration for the next family meal. I suspect that we all do. And those vegetables on display with their lush green leaves always look inviting until you discover that you are paying by the gram or kilogram and then they begin to look less inviting.

Carrot leaves are very juicy and have a light ‘earthy’ flavor to them that pairs very nicely with walnuts.

Once you have created your carrot top pesto, use it as you would any other pesto sauce.

NOTE: This pesto is also good without the Parmesan which will make it suitable for vegans.

Carrot top pesto: Makes up to 500 grams

• 250 – 300 grams young carrot leaves, including the top, tender stalks
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 6 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 large clove garlic, peeled
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 50 – 75 grams walnuts
• 50 grams Parmesan cheese, grated

1. In a food processor, combine the carrot leaves, oil, garlic, lemon juice and salt until finely minced.
2. Add the nuts and pulse until finely chopped.
3. Add the Parmesan and pulse until combined.
4. Taste and adjust the seasoning adding more lemon juice, garlic or salt where necessary.
5. Use immediately or cover and refrigerate for up to 2 days.

Related recipes

• Green vegetable and pesto soup with rice
• Basil pesto without garlic
• Pistachio pesto fettuccine