“Going green” is a hot slogan these days in an effort to be more environmentally friendly. One way my husband and I have contributed to this effort is by participating in a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA). A CSA’s focus is usually on a system of weekly delivery or pick-up of vegetables that support small, independent, labor-intensive, family farms. In doing this, we receive a weekly box of organic and local produce.
My box this week included dandelion greens and beets. I don’t usually eat nor cook with these so having this CSA has definitely introduced me to produce I wouldn’t have purchased on my own. So can I make with dandelion greens and beets?
Well today I focused only on the dandelion greens and beet leaves. The dandelion greens are on the bitter side with a peppery taste, similar to arugula. I didn’t feel like making a salad so… I decided to make a pesto! Because the greens were similar to arugula, I figured it would make for a nice pesto. And because I’m not one to waste anything, I threw the beet leaves in for good measure.
Here’s my recipe for dandelion pesto:
1 bunch dandelion greens – leaves only
1 handful of beet leaves
1 cup pine nuts
1 1/2 cups extra virgin olive oil
1 cup grated fontina cheese
In a blender, add oil and greens a handful at a time.
Process and continue adding greens until all have been processed.
Add pinenuts and process.
Stir in grated cheese and store.
This will last in the fridge for a week or can be frozen in ice cube trays for portioned amounts to use later.
I got the same in my box last week. I wilted the dandeloin greens with bacon and fig balsamic. This pesto looks refreshing. Maybe on to pf some fish or chicken?
what a great idea for the greens! looks great.
Sounds wonderful….We grew up eating dandelion greens and buds. I may have to try this soon since they are cropping up all over my yard!!!
Dandelions are good for cleansing the liver and kidneys too.
So you liked the pesto? I made my dandelion greens sauteed, and really didn’t like the taste of them. Beets, on the other hand, I love!
So did you like it? How did it compare to regular basil pesto?