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.
47 K 5/5 (1 reviews)
20 min.
Easy
1 kg 200 g
9 IngredientsLast modified on: September 16th 2020
2⁄3 cup whole almonds
1 1⁄3 cup turnip (or other vegetable) tops
3 
½ tablespoon 
9 tablespoons 
2⁄3 cup Parmesan (Parmigiano Reggiano)
Times for this recipe
Preparation: 15 min.
Cooking: 5 min.
All in all: 20 min.
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Step by step recipe
Stage 1 - 5 min.
Put 2⁄3 cup 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 1 1⁄3 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 2⁄3 cup 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 | 90 RDI=40 % | 60 RDI=6 % | 250 RDI=40 % | 2,910 RDI=150 % | 12,190 RDI: 150 % |
| Per 100 g | 6 RDI=3 % | 4 RDI=0 % | 20 RDI=3 % | 200 RDI=10 % | 860 RDI: 10 % |
How much will it cost?
- For 1 kg 200 g : 6.40 €
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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: The strange gratin, Turnip top soup, Super-green, super-thrifty soup, ... See them all 3
Parmesan (Parmigiano Reggiano)
Like these other recipes: Potimarron and Parmesan tart, Parmesan cauliflower cheese, Scallops with green asparagus tips and parmesan, Pea risotto "Mantecare", Roast cabbage with lemon, ... See them all 60
Whole almonds
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Olive oil
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