Fennel Frond Pesto
User Reviews
4.9
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Prep Time
5 mins
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Cook Time
3 mins
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Total Time
8 mins
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Servings
4 2 oz
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Calories
235 kcal
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Course
Condiments
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Cuisine
Italian
Fennel Frond Pesto
Description
This pesto combines the delicate fronds of fennel with toasted walnuts, introducing a toasty nutty base. Lemon juice adds brightness and a slight acidity, while olive oil binds the ingredients into a smooth, spreadable texture. Salt enhances flavors throughout the mixture. The method involves carefully toasting the walnuts to accentuate their flavor without burning, then pulsing all components in a food processor for a balanced consistency.
The resulting sauce carries a mild licorice note from the fennel fronds, balanced by the creamy richness of olive oil and the brightness of lemon. It’s thinner than chunky pesto versions, making it easy to incorporate into dishes.
Fennel Frond Pesto works well stirred through cooked pasta, spread on bread for sandwiches, or added to soups for additional herbal flavor. It can be stored in the refrigerator and frozen in small portions to preserve freshness.
Freezing pesto in ice cube trays is convenient; thaw cubes as needed or add directly to hot dishes to gently melt the sauce.
Ingredients
- 1 fennel fronds stems removed, bunch
- 1/2 cup walnuts toasted
- 1/8 cup lemon juice
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 3/4 tsp salt
Instructions
- Toast the walnuts over medium heat stirring constantly for 3-5 minutes or until they begin to brown.
- Add fennel fronds, lemon juice, salt, half of the olive oil, and nuts to a food processor and blend. Stop and scrape down sides. Continue blending and slowly add remaining olive oil until desired consistency is reached.
- Store in an airtight container in fridge and add to pasta, sandwiches, or anywhere else you'd use a normal pesto!
Notes
- Toast walnuts carefully over medium heat, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- Freeze pesto in cubes for up to 6 months; thaw in refrigerator before use or add directly to hot dishes.
- Store pesto in airtight containers in the refrigerator to maintain freshness.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 42 oz
Amount Per Serving
Calories 235 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 235kcal | 12% |
| Carbohydrates | 7g | 2% |
| Protein | 3g | 6% |
| Fat | 23g | 35% |
| Saturated Fat | 3g | 15% |
| Sodium | 467mg | 19% |
| Potassium | 315mg | 7% |
| Fiber | 3g | 12% |
| Sugar | 1g | 2% |
| Vitamin A | 82IU | 2% |
| Vitamin C | 10mg | 11% |
| Calcium | 44mg | 4% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.9
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