Walnut Kale Pesto

Pesto is a green sauce traditionally made with pine nuts, basil and olive oil. Pesto is rich in fat and while a well made sauce is very flavorful it may not always be the preferred choice. If you are looking for an alternative this recipe is for you. I had some left over cottage cheese I trying to use up and needed a sauce to bind it as a filling. The walnut kale pesto worked perfectly.


I would not say the flavor is close but this pesto will work just as well as the traditional pesto recipe. You could add a bunch of basil leaves along with the kale to bring the taste profile closer to that you are used to, but in my family we really like this recipe.

You will need
2 cups Kale leaves
1/2 cup toasted walnuts
1 clove garlic
salt to taste

Bring water to a boil in the microwave safe cup. Add the kale leaves to the water and let it sit on the counter top for a few minutes. Drain the water, rinse the leaves in cold water and you are have instant blanched kale. Alternately you could use a pan over a stove top to boil the water.


Add the kale to a food processor along with the other ingredients and pulse until you have the desired consistency.


Use in pizza, pasta or sandwiches.


Comments

  1. I was talking to a friend now and she said Kale is avilable in chennai too. Must try this. Looks tempting

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  2. That's a lovely sauce Varada, I have not used Kale leaves so always wonder how it tastes..

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  3. beautiful color and a good variation.

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  4. Never had a chance to give a try to a pesto with kale, looks fabulous.

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  5. That is a great variation to the classic Pesto. Making it healthier by using Kale. Lovely pick.

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  6. What a lovely idea of using kale leaves in pesto. Looks so vibrant and delicious.

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  7. I have been thinking of making this for a while now. Love the bright green color Varada.

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  8. Wonderful pesto with kale leaves,got a very nice color.

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