Kale Pesto
Ingredients
- 4 packed cups washed, de-stemmed and roughly chopped lacinato kale (about 4 ounces)
- 1 small lemon, zest and juice
- 1 garlic clove
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts (walnuts or cashews work too)
- 1/2 tsp. kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp. freshly cracked black pepper
- 1/4 tsp. chili flakes
- 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
Directions
Bring a medium sauce pot of water to a boil. Season with salt.
Prepare an ice bath.
Add the chopped kale to the boiling water and cook for 1 minute. Remove and shock in the ice bath. Drain and squeeze out all of the water.
Add the kale to a high power blender, such as a Vitamix, along with the lemon zest and juice, garlic, EVOO, pine nuts, salt, pepper and chili flakes. Blend on high for 2-3 minutes or until smooth and bright green.
If it looks too thick add 2-3 tbsp. cold water to thin out.
Pour into a bowl and stir in the parmesan cheese. Taste for seasoning, adding more salt or pepper if needed.
Toss with pasta, rice, add to a pizza or drizzle over veggies, chicken or fish.
Recipe Courtesy of Megan Mitchell