| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 0 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 345 | 32g | 5g | 12g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 1g | 2g | 6g | 1.2g |
Let me share my love for a delightful recipe that’s been a true game changer in my kitchen – the Lovage Leaves Pesto. When you think of pesto, the first thing that might come to mind is the classic basil and pine nut version. But when you step off the beaten track and explore a bit, you’ll find there are countless ways to reimagine this simple sauce. This particular version, bursting with freshness is not only delectable but it also highlights lovage, a lesser-known herb with such pungent, unique flavor that it can easily make this pesto the star of your appetizers or mains.
Strong flavors and surprising health benefits
In the Lovage Leaves Pesto, we have the bold flavors of the lovage and parsley leaves swept up in the richness of walnuts and Parmesan cheese, and brought all together by extra-virgin olive oil and fresh lemon juice. Not only does this recipe tickle your taste buds, but it’s chock-load full of health benefits too!
For one, lovage is known for its digestive and kidney benefits. It’s a great source of vitamin C, which helps boost immunity, it’s high in fiber, and contributes to your daily intake of iron. The walnuts bring much-needed omega-3 fatty acids, which are good for the heart, and Parmesan cheese is high in calcium.
My two daughters, Erin and Samantha, absolutely love this pesto. Even though we typically lean towards New England seafood, with this recipe we are able to bring a whole different layer of flavors to our table while still enjoying the health benefits of a nutrient-rich meal.
Where to use your Lovage Leaves Pesto
One of the best things about this Lovage Leaves Pesto is its versatility. It’s perfect for tossing with pasta, smearing on a sandwich, dabbing on fish, or even using as a sort of dressing for a tomato and mozzarella salad. I also love it with grilled chicken or vegetables. The beauty of this pesto is that it can complement so many dishes, similar to Classic Basil Pesto.
To explore further, pair this pesto with a delightful white wine like a Pinot Grigio to complement its unique flavors. Take a risk on this Lovage Leaves Pesto, you might just find a new family favorite!
What You’ll Need
- 2 cups fresh lovage leaves
- 1/2 cup flat-leaf parsley leaves
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
- 2 cloves garlic, chopped
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Method
Step One
First, take your 2 cups of fresh lovage leaves, 1/2 cup of flat-leaf parsley leaves, and 2 cloves of chopped garlic and place them in your food processor.
Step Two
Then, blend until all the ingredients are finely chopped. This might take a minute or so depend on the power of your food processor.
Step Three
After that, add the 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts and 1/2 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese to the food processor. Continue to blend until well combined and smooth. You might need to stop and scrape down the sides of the bowl occasionally to ensure everything gets blended properly.
Step Four
Next, with the food processor running, slowly pour in the 1/2 cup of extra-virgin olive oil. Continue to process until the pesto looks creamy and well mixed.
Step Five
Finally, stir in the 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice and season the pesto with salt and black pepper to taste. You can then serve your Lovage Leaves Pesto immediately or store in the refrigerator for later use.
