| Prep: 10 mins | Cook: 5 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 234 | 22g | 4g | 2g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 1g | 2g | 5g | 0.43g |
Have you ever savored the fresh, vibrant flavor of a Celery Leaf Pesto? If not, you’re in for a delightful surprise. This unique fruit-infused concoction, much like the city I love, is a melting pot of tastes. It’s a testament to the unexpected synergies that happen when disparate ingredients meet, sharing the same plate, much like the diverse culinary scenes of New York City.
A Symphony of Flavors
Imagine zesty lemon, crisp fresh basil, and the subtle earthiness of celery leaves dancing in a symphony of flavors. What sets the Celery Leaf Pesto apart is its inventive take on the traditional Italian sauce. Rather than using handfuls of basil, this recipe incorporates the often overlooked, but equally fragrant, celery leaf.
Garlic adds a punch, toasted pine nuts provide a nutty undertone, and freshly grated parmesan brings a balance of creamy saltiness. Finished off with a comforting drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkling of sea salt and black pepper, each serving holds delightful surprises for your palate.
Health Benefits and Pairing Ideas
Not only is this rendition of pesto a flavor powerhouse, but it’s also packed with health benefits. Celery is known to provide essential antioxidants, lower inflammation, and support digestion. Balanced by the healthy fats in the olive oil and pine nuts, and the inherent protection against heart disease and cancer in the basil and lemon, this is a pesto you can feel good about eating.
When it comes to pairing the Celery Leaf Pesto, its light and bright profile works wonders on more than just pasta. Try smearing it on a crusty bagel for a unique twist on breakfast, or give your classic burger a gourmet twist with a flavorful dollop.
So, indulge yourself with this delectable creation, paying homage to the diversity of a vibrant city, while nourishing your body with its healthy goodness. The next time you’re in the kitchen, prepare a batch of the Celery Leaf Pesto, and be ready to be surprised.
What You’ll Need
- 1 cup celery leaves, tightly packed
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves
- 2 garlic cloves, chopped
- 1/2 cup fresh parmesan cheese, grated
- 1/4 cup pine nuts, toasted
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
Method
Step One
Start off by collecting all the ingredients. Give your celery leaves, basil leaves and pine nuts a thorough wash and neatly set them aside. Grate your fresh parmesan cheese and set it aside as well.
Step Two
Toast your pine nuts lightly on a non-stick pan, until they are golden brown in colour, then set these aside to cool off.
Step Three
Next, you will need to use a food processor or a power blender. Place the cleaned celery leaves, basil leaves and chopped garlic into your food processor. Run the processor until these ingredients are coarsely chopped.
Step Four
Add the toasted pine nuts to the food processor along with the coarsely chopped mixture. Run the processor again until the nuts are well combined with the mixture.
Step Five
With your food processor still running, slowly drizzle in your olive oil from the top. Keep the machine running until the oil is fully incorporated and the mixture appears creamy.
Step Six
Proceed to add the grated parmesan cheese, sea salt, fresh ground black pepper, lemon zest, and fresh lemon juice to your mixture. Run the food processor again, until all the ingredients are well combined.
Step Seven
Taste the pesto and adjust the seasoning if necessary. The celery leaf pesto is now ready to be served. It can also be stored in an airtight jar in the refrigerator for future use.
