I recently took a trip to the fabulous Chatsworth Farm Shop, where I came home with the most amazing bunch of carrots you could have ever seen (I can’t help it, their produce is some of the best around!). Whilst I love roasting the carrots with a simple olive oil and sea salt drizzle, I always feel so bad throwing away the luscious green carrot tops.
So… I got creative and this simple but packs-a-punch pesto was born! All you need is a few cupboard staples, and 5 or so minutes to blitz it up. Keep a jar in the fridge for quick sandwich dressings, veggie stick dips, or as a flavourful sandwich spread.
Method
Follow these steps to make our Carrot Top Pesto
In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the walnuts or pine nuts for about 3-5 minutes until they are golden brown and fragrant. Be careful not to burn them. Let them cool slightly before popping them into the food processor.
Add the toasted nuts to your food processor along with the lemon, salt, pepper, and garlic clove. Blitz until the texture resembles breadcrumbs. Next, add in your washed carrot tops and basil leaves, before blitzing again. If your food processor is on the smaller side, like mine, use a spatula to scrape down the sides in between pulses.
With the food processor running on low, gradually drizzle in the olive oil. Continue to blend until the mixture is smooth and well combined. You can adjust the consistency by adding more olive oil if needed (we prefer a thinner consistency as it makes for a better salad dressing!). Once you’ve reached your desired carrot top pesto consistency, add your grated parmesan and blitz for 10 seconds to combine.
How To Serve Carrot Top Pesto
As with any type of pesto, carrot top pesto is incredibly versatile! Here are some of my favourite ways to use it:
- As a spread: Use it as a flavorful spread for sandwiches and wraps.
- With pasta: Toss it with your favourite pasta for a quick and easy meal.
- As a dip: Serve it with veggie sticks, bread, or crackers.
- Made into a salad dressing: Thin it out with a bit more olive oil and use it as a vibrant salad dressing.
- As a drizzle: Drizzle it over wood-fired pizza for a fresh twist, or over oven roasted carrots as an impressive side dish.
Can You Freeze Carrot Top Pesto?
Yes, you can freeze carrot top pesto! To do so, transfer the pesto into ice cube trays and freeze until solid. Once frozen, pop the pesto cubes out and store them in a freezer-safe bag or container. This way, you can easily thaw just the amount you need. Frozen pesto can last up to 3 months and is a great way to enjoy fresh flavours long after carrot season is over.
If you’d like to learn more about eating with the seasons, read our month-by-month food guide.
Find More Delicious Recipes On Our Food Blog
Have you tried making carrot top pesto? Share your experience, tweaks, and serving suggestions in the comments below. If you’d like to know more about us, or you’d like to follow our journey, why not keep up to date with us over on Instagram, Facebook, or Pinterest?
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