Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 cups of fresh ground elder leaves
- 1 cup of walnuts
- 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves of garlic
- 1/2 cup of extra-virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Special equipment needed:
- Food processor or blender
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Wash and dry the ground elder leaves.
2. Toast the walnuts in a dry pan over medium heat until fragrant and lightly browned.
3. In a food processor or blender, combine the ground elder leaves, toasted walnuts, Parmesan cheese, and garlic. Pulse until finely chopped.
4. While the machine is running, slowly pour in the olive oil until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Transfer the pesto to a jar or container and store in the refrigerator until ready to use.
- Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 5 minutes
5. Temperature:
- N/A
Serving size:
- Makes about 1 1/2 cups of pesto
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 160 per 2 tablespoons
- Fat: 16g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Protein: 3g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Ground elder leaves can be substituted with other leafy greens such as spinach or arugula.
- Walnuts can be substituted with pine nuts or almonds.
- Parmesan cheese can be substituted with Pecorino Romano or Asiago cheese.
Variations:
- Add a squeeze of lemon juice for a tangy flavor.
- Substitute some of the olive oil with sunflower oil for a milder taste.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
Tips and tricks:
- Toasting the walnuts brings out their nutty flavor and adds a nice crunch to the pesto.
- If the pesto is too thick, add more olive oil until desired consistency is reached.
- Store the pesto in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Storage instructions:
- Store the pesto in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Reheating instructions:
- N/A
Presentation ideas:
- Serve the pesto as a dip with crackers or bread.
- Toss the pesto with cooked pasta or use as a spread on sandwiches.
Garnishes:
- Garnish with a sprinkle of chopped walnuts or grated Parmesan cheese.
Pairings:
- Serve with a glass of white wine or a light beer.
Suggested side dishes:
- Serve with a side salad or roasted vegetables.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the pesto is too thick, add more olive oil until desired consistency is reached.
Food safety advice:
- Wash the ground elder leaves thoroughly before using.
Food history:
- Ground elder is a wild plant that has been used for medicinal purposes for centuries. It is also commonly used in traditional European cuisine.
Flavor profiles:
- The ground elder and walnuts give the pesto a nutty and slightly bitter flavor, while the Parmesan cheese adds a salty and savory taste.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve the pesto as a dip with crackers or bread, or toss with cooked pasta.
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