Today we’re making kale and walnut pesto (inspired by The Hop’s Kale and Almond Pesto), to go with our Sausage with Creamy Polenta and Kale Walnut Pesto. Even if kale is not your favorite thing, this is a good way to try it because it’s so good for you, but also deliciously cheesy/nutty. It would definitely be great on pasta or on anything that basil pesto is good with.
We would claim to have used nuts from our black walnut tree, but as the linked article admits, they’re impossible to harvest efficiently!
Oh, and here’s our recipe for creamy polenta.
Kale and Walnut Pesto
Servings: 4 -6
Ingredients
- 1 medium bunch curly or lacinato kale center ribs and stems removed
- Kosher salt
- 1 garlic clove chopped
- 1/4 cup grated pecorino romano or parmesan
- 1/2 cup walnuts toasted
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
- After you remove the ribs and stems, chop the kale up roughly. Blanch kale in a large pot of boiling salted water, about 30 seconds. Drain and rinse with cold water to cool (or dunk in a bath of icy water). Spin in a salad spinner or wring dry in a clean kitchen towel.
- In a food processor, add garlic and give it a whir to mince it more finely. Add kale and walnuts and pulse until coarsely chopped. With motor running, add oil in a steady stream and process to a coarse purée. Add lemon juice, pecorino and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Tried this recipe?Mention @NerdsWithKnives or tag #nerdswithknives!
Nerd Tips:
- Pecorino is a sheep’s milk cheese and tends to be a little stronger and saltier than parmesan, which is made from cow’s milk.
- Use good oil for this since it doesn’t get cooked.
- If you want to use less oil, you could substitute a little bit of water to get to the right consistency.
