Pesto foglie di pomodoro
I have no idea if that's a real 'thing' but it sounded good =]
So, taking that heap of leaves that I had pruned from my tomato plants, what to do? Throw on the compost heap? I don't have one. Instead, it's time to make pesto in my little-used food processor. 'Pesto' doesn't just mean smashed-up basil; if it's not a poisonous leaf and it tastes nice, turn it into pesto!
Equipment:
Food processor
Spatula (for wiping down the sides, and to assist with decanting)
Sterilised jam jar
Jam funnel, if you've got one (get one! They are really useful for all sorts of jobs, such as filling your cafetiere!)
Ingredients:
2 cloves garlic, peeled (I like garlic - you might prefer to use just one clove, especially if going out!)
1 lemon; juiced (you can add the zest, too if you like)
1 tspn sea salt - rougher the better, I find - it helps to break down fibers (you could reduce this to 1/2 tspn, but don't omit it)
1/2 cup oil - I used canola, but olive oil is fine (but don't use anything with strong flavor)
1/2 cup cheese - you can waste time grating it; I just roughly cut into small cubes (I used an old and hard lump of sharp cheddar)
1/4 cup nuts - I used almonds, because I have them on the shelf. Use anything you like.
1 mixing bowl full of tomato leaves - I used the side-leaves and left the big ones alone; the bigger leaves lack flavor and are just bitter
Method:
In a food-processor
Add the garlic and salt; chop until a paste starts to form
Add the cheese; chop until cheese is incorporated
Add lemon juice; pulse once or twice
Add the nuts; pulse for a few times to get nicely chopped
Add the leaves: pulse a few times; not a lot seems to happen until
Drizzle in the oil while chopping
Continue chopping until you get to the consistency you like
Immediately decant the fresh pesto into a sterile jar - I used an old marmalade jar, which was just the right size
Store in the fridge for up to a week (longer, if you're me)
Add oil to cover the surface in the jar before replacing the lid - it helps to reduce exposure to air and oxidation.
Use it with pasta, as a dip for (sweet) potatoes, on salad, in a sandwich. whatever takes your fancy.
_______
Afternote: I mixed it into fresh pasta tonight, and it was 'banging'! Served with a mixed salad and balsamic dressing. Nice =]
Pesto foglie di pomodoro
I have no idea if that's a real 'thing' but it sounded good =]
So, taking that heap of leaves that I had pruned from my tomato plants, what to do? Throw on the compost heap? I don't have one. Instead, it's time to make pesto in my little-used food processor. 'Pesto' doesn't just mean smashed-up basil; if it's not a poisonous leaf and it tastes nice, turn it into pesto!
Equipment:
Food processor
Spatula (for wiping down the sides, and to assist with decanting)
Sterilised jam jar
Jam funnel, if you've got one (get one! They are really useful for all sorts of jobs, such as filling your cafetiere!)
Ingredients:
2 cloves garlic, peeled (I like garlic - you might prefer to use just one clove, especially if going out!)
1 lemon; juiced (you can add the zest, too if you like)
1 tspn sea salt - rougher the better, I find - it helps to break down fibers (you could reduce this to 1/2 tspn, but don't omit it)
1/2 cup oil - I used canola, but olive oil is fine (but don't use anything with strong flavor)
1/2 cup cheese - you can waste time grating it; I just roughly cut into small cubes (I used an old and hard lump of sharp cheddar)
1/4 cup nuts - I used almonds, because I have them on the shelf. Use anything you like.
1 mixing bowl full of tomato leaves - I used the side-leaves and left the big ones alone; the bigger leaves lack flavor and are just bitter
Method:
In a food-processor
Add the garlic and salt; chop until a paste starts to form
Add the cheese; chop until cheese is incorporated
Add lemon juice; pulse once or twice
Add the nuts; pulse for a few times to get nicely chopped
Add the leaves: pulse a few times; not a lot seems to happen until
Drizzle in the oil while chopping
Continue chopping until you get to the consistency you like
Immediately decant the fresh pesto into a sterile jar - I used an old marmalade jar, which was just the right size
Store in the fridge for up to a week (longer, if you're me)
Add oil to cover the surface in the jar before replacing the lid - it helps to reduce exposure to air and oxidation.
Use it with pasta, as a dip for (sweet) potatoes, on salad, in a sandwich. whatever takes your fancy.
_______
Afternote: I mixed it into fresh pasta tonight, and it was 'banging'! Served with a mixed salad and balsamic dressing. Nice =]