I like kale. I do. But, there’s a moment in your CSA subscription when you wonder, what am I going to do with ALL this kale? I’ve turned it into salads like this and this. I’ve made Food52′s One Pot Quinoa and Kale Pilaf. And I’ve added it to countless other dishes like soups and stews. What’s next?
That’s where this kale-walnut pesto comes in. It’s effortless, nutrient-rich, and will reduce the hardy, relentless green into one delicious, easy-to-use sauce. Simply blanch it, pulse it with garlic, Pecorino, walnuts, olive oil, and lemon juice, and toss yourself a bowl of kale-walnut pesto pasta (or whatever else you so desire).
Go ahead, give it a try.
Kale-Walnut Pesto (adapted from Bon Appetit)
3 garlic cloves
1 small bunch kale, stems removed
1/4 cup grated Pecorino Romano
1/4 cup walnuts
3/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
Salt and pepper to taste
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Blanch garlic cloves for 2 minutes. Add the kale and blanch for another 30 seconds more. Remove garlic and kale with a slotted spoon and place them in an ice bath. Using a salad spinner, remove excess water from the kale.
In a food processor, puree the garlic and kale. Add the Pecorino, walnuts, olive oil, and lemon juice and puree. Salt and pepper to taste.
{ 8 comments… read them below or add one }
Laura, We are kale fiends over here and we grub on pesto regularly. Your recipe seems to satisfy on all fronts:) Looks like a delicious way to pack in a ton of those good greens.
Hope you’re well!
xo
E
Hooray for kale pesto! I’ve been meaning to make a batch and eat it over gnocchi. Must actually do this soon. :)
Love the ingredients and adore the color- will be a delicious and beautiful meal! Thanks :)
I love kale and perhaps because I do not have a CSA, it’s a green I’ve yet to grow tired of. I also love pesto. This is a winning combination.
Beautiful! I love kale, but haven’t used it to make a pesto. I did make an arugula pesto the other day though!
Yum, this is starting to make my mouth water! :)
Would pistachios and/or almonds work in lieu of walnuts in this? I feel like this might be a legit gateway into enjoying kale, but walnuts are a no-go at my house due to allergies.
Hey there Laura, I hope all is well with you! I’m missing you and your posts. I hope you’ll return to us.
xxxooo
E
Hi Erin! Yes, it’s been much too long. A new post is on my priority list :) I hope all is well with you, too! xo