| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 0 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 198 | 21g | 4.5g | 2g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 1g | 1g | 5g | 0.3g |
I am excited to share a fruit-based recipe that revitalizes an old tradition with a new, zestful twist – meet, the Sorrel Pesto. As a New Jersey-born Italian-American, my palate has tasted and treasured a medley of mouth-watering meals, passed down through generations of my Italian lineage. Besides spaghetti and meatballs, there are countless other recipes that have resonated with me, but none as profoundly as the delightfully tangy Sorrel Pesto.
A Twist on Tradition
This Sorrel Pesto recipe adds a tangy twist to the traditional basil-based pesto. As an ardent enthusiast of classic Italian cuisine, I appreciate the ability to fuse tradition with innovation. My love for this recipe centres around its versatility; it serves as a refreshing dip, a zesty spread, or a unique pasta sauce, adding a memorable touch to simple dishes.
Healthy and Hearty
Aside from its palate-pleasing flavors, this Sorrel Pesto is also packed with a powerhouse of nutrients. Sorrel leaves are rich in vitamin C and iron, bolstering the immune system and aiding with iron absorption. Likewise, basil is a great source of essential oils and antioxidants. The fusion of these ingredients creates a dish that is not only appetizing, but also advantageous for health. As a grandfather who enjoys staying active, I appreciate recipes that not only taste good but offer nutritional benefits too.
If you’ve savored the delights of traditional pesto or relished the flavors of a robust parmesan dip, you’re bound to enjoy this savory Sorrel Pesto. This is no ordinary pesto; it’s an embodiment of old-world traditions, innovatively tweaked for the modern palate. Moreover, it beautifully complements a range of dishes. Try it with a simple pasta, use it to elevate a panini, or as a flavorful addition to a grilled chicken dish.
As an aspiring Gourmet Guru, my aim is to continually challenge tradition and explore the vast culinary universe. The Sorrel Pesto, with its tangy flavor and health affirming qualities, is not just a recipe; it’s a gastronomic journey that bridges the gap between the past and the present. Bursting with flavor and packed with nutrients, it’s a testament to the fact that food can be both flavorful and healthy. It’s my depiction of the Italian kitchen – rooted in tradition, yet with a gaze firmly set towards the future.
What You’ll Need
- 2 cups of fresh sorrel leaves, washed and dried
- 1 cup of fresh basil leaves, washed and dried
- 1/2 cup of pine nuts
- 1/2 cup of parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup of extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon of sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
Method
Step One
Prepare your fresh produce first. This includes washing and drying 2 cups of fresh sorrel leaves and 1 cup of fresh basil leaves. Also, mince 2 cloves of garlic. Set aside.
Step Two
In a dry skillet, toast 1/2 cup of pine nuts over medium-low heat. Stir continuously for 2 to 3 minutes until they are slightly browned and aromatic. Let them cool.
Step Three
In a food processor or blender, combine the dry pine nuts, washed sorrel and basil leaves, grated parmesan cheese, and minced garlic. Pulse for 30 seconds to a minute, until everything is finely chopped.
Step Four
While the food processor or blender is running, slowly add in 1/2 cup of extra-virgin olive oil. Also add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, 1/2 teaspoon of sea salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. Continue to blend until the mixture is smooth and well incorporated. If you desire a thinner consistency, you may add more olive oil.
Step Five
Taste your sorrel pesto and adjust the seasoning if necessary. It can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to a week. Use it on pasta, sandwiches, and more. Enjoy!
