5.0 from 12 votes
Carrot top pesto
An easy, tasty variation on a classic pesto that's also a great way to use those carrot greens.
Prep Time
5 mins
Total Time
5 mins
Servings: 4 approx
Calories: 217 kcal
Course:
Condiments
Cuisine:
Italian
Ingredients
- ¼ cup pine nuts
- 2 cups carrot greens (see recipe on preparation - 2 cups greens is from around 1 small bunch of carrots)
- 1 cup basil leaves removed from stems (1 cup is around 1.25oz/35g pack of basil)
- 1 clove garlic small-medium, optional
- 1 oz parmesan grated
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice approx
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil or virgin olive oil
Instructions
- Optionally, you can lightly toast the pine nuts either in a dry frying pan over a medium heat or under the broiler/grill until lightly brown. Keep an eye on them as you don't want to burn them and they can go quickly.
- Remove the leafy parts from the carrot stems so that you only use the soft, leafy part rather than the thicker stems. Wash these greens well to remove any dirt then squeeze gently to get rid of excess water.
- Put the carrot greens and basil in a food processor and pulse until well chopped. Scrape down the sides, as needed. Add the garlic, if using, and pine nuts and pulse to break everything up. Then add the parmesan and lemon juice, pulse to mix. Again, scrape down as you go as needed.
- Add the olive oil while the food processor is running, if an option, or else add a little at a time, pulsing in between. Stir and either use or transfer to a sealable container and cover with a layer of olive oil and store in the fridge until needed.
Cup of Yum
Nutrition Information
Calories
217kcal
(11%)
Carbohydrates
3g
(1%)
Protein
4g
(8%)
Fat
21g
(32%)
Saturated Fat
3g
(15%)
Polyunsaturated Fat
4g
Monounsaturated Fat
12g
Cholesterol
5mg
(2%)
Sodium
114mg
(5%)
Potassium
81mg
(2%)
Fiber
0.4g
(2%)
Sugar
0.5g
(1%)
Vitamin A
348IU
(7%)
Vitamin C
11mg
(12%)
Calcium
131mg
(13%)
Iron
2mg
(11%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 4approx
Amount Per Serving
Calories 217
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 217kcal | 11% |
| Carbohydrates | 3g | 1% |
| Protein | 4g | 8% |
| Fat | 21g | 32% |
| Saturated Fat | 3g | 15% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4g | 24% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 12g | 60% |
| Cholesterol | 5mg | 2% |
| Sodium | 114mg | 5% |
| Potassium | 81mg | 2% |
| Fiber | 0.4g | 2% |
| Sugar | 0.5g | 1% |
| Vitamin A | 348IU | 7% |
| Vitamin C | 11mg | 12% |
| Calcium | 131mg | 13% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.