Carrot-top pesto
You will no doubt be familiar with classic pesto. Here is an alternative, zero-waste version using carrot tops for a surprising pesto, full of fresh flavour.
45 K 5/5 (1 reviews)
20 min.
Easy
200 g
9 IngredientsLast modified on: September 16th 2020
2 tablespoons whole almonds
¼ cup turnip (or other vegetable) tops
½ 
½ teaspoon 
1.5 tablespoon 
2 tablespoons Parmesan (Parmigiano Reggiano)
Times for this recipe
Preparation: 15 min.
Cooking: 5 min.
All in all: 20 min.
To finish around 7pm, you'll need to have started before: 19:15.Change end time
Step by step recipe
Stage 1 - 5 min.
Put 2 tablespoons whole almonds into a small frying pan on medium heat. Toast until just lightly coloured (stir round frequently).
Leave to cool then chop coarsely.
Leave to cool then chop coarsely.
Stage 2
Save ¼ cup turnip (or other vegetable) tops (carrot tops here). The weight is simply for guidance, so let's just say the tops from a normal bunch of carrots.
Stage 3 - 5 min.
Wash the leaves, cut off the stalks , then drain and dry them in a tea towel or salad spinner.
Stage 4 - 2 min.
Stage 5 - 2 min.
Blend a first time.
Stage 6 - 2 min.
Add 2 tablespoons Parmesan (Parmigiano Reggiano), the almonds, salt and pepper, then blend again.
Add a little more olive oil while still blending (have someone to help if possible), until the mixture is smooth.
Add a little more olive oil while still blending (have someone to help if possible), until the mixture is smooth.
Stage 7
Your carrot-top pesto is ready.
Remarks
You can make different version of this recipe with whatever vegetable tops you have to hand (e.g. radish or turnip), or different nuts (e.g. hazelnuts). Let your imagination lead you.
Keeping: A few days in the fridge in a sealed bottle.
Source: Based on a recipe by chef Angèle Ferreux-Maeght.
Nutritional information
| Proteins (gr) | Carbohydrates (gr) | Fats (gr) | Energy value (in k-calories) | Energy value (in k-joules) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Whole recipe | 20 RDI=6 % | 10 RDI=1 % | 40 RDI=6 % | 490 RDI=20 % | 2,030 RDI: 20 % |
| Per 100 g | 6 RDI=3 % | 4 RDI=0 % | 20 RDI=3 % | 200 RDI=10 % | 860 RDI: 10 % |
How much will it cost?
- For 200 g : 1.10 €
Change currency: 
Note: Be careful, these prices are only an estimate, you can consult the table of prices by ingredients used for this estimate.
This recipe uses (among others)
Turnip (or other vegetable) tops
Like these other recipes: Turnip top soup, Super-green, super-thrifty soup, The strange gratin, ... See them all 3
Whole almonds
Like these other recipes: X-Files cookies, Kugelhof for Nanou, Crusty pistachio, almond and apricot flan, Red cabage salad with toasted almonds, Apple Batter Puddings, ... See them all 23
Parmesan (Parmigiano Reggiano)
Like these other recipes: Curried prawn risotto, Beet leaf pesto, Turnip leaf pesto, Pistachio and spinach pesto, Brussels sprout salad, ... See them all 58
Olive oil
Like these other recipes: Tenderloin steak with beetroot tops and mushrooms, Mushrooms à la grecque, Eggs Comtoise, Mexican-style pork medallions , Feta in olive oil with herbs, ... See them all 521
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