Wild Garlic Pesto Recipe: A Delicious And Easy-To-Make Sauce From River Cottage

If you're a fan of pesto, you'll love wild garlic pesto! This flavorful sauce is made with fresh wild garlic leaves, nuts, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil, and it's perfect for pasta dishes, sandwiches, and as a dip. In this article, we'll show you how to make wild garlic pesto using a recipe from River Cottage, a popular British cooking show and cookbook series.

What is wild garlic pesto?

Wild garlic pesto is a variation of the classic Italian sauce made with basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil. Instead of basil, wild garlic leaves are used as the main ingredient, giving the pesto a distinctive, pungent flavor that's perfect for spring and summer dishes. Wild garlic, also known as ramsons, is a wild plant that grows in woodland areas in Europe and North America. It has broad, flat leaves and a strong garlic scent, and it's often used in soups, stews, and salads.

Ingredients

Here's what you'll need to make wild garlic pesto:

1. 200g wild garlic leaves
2. 100g nuts (walnuts or pine nuts)
3. 100g Parmesan cheese, grated
4. 200ml olive oil
5. Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

Follow these steps to make wild garlic pesto:

1. Rinse the wild garlic leaves thoroughly and pat them dry with a paper towel.
2. Toast the nuts in a dry pan over medium heat until they're golden brown. Be careful not to burn them!
3. Grate the Parmesan cheese.
4. Add the wild garlic leaves, nuts, and Parmesan cheese to a food processor or blender and pulse until they're finely chopped.
5. With the motor running, gradually add the olive oil until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
6. Taste the pesto and add salt and pepper as needed.
7. Transfer the pesto to a jar or container and store it in the fridge for up to a week.

Ways to use wild garlic pesto

Wild garlic pesto is a versatile sauce that can be used in many ways. Here are some ideas:

• Toss it with pasta, like spaghetti or penne.
• Spread it on a sandwich or wrap.
• Use it as a dip for vegetables or crackers.
• Drizzle it over grilled meats or fish.
• Add it to soups or stews for extra flavor.

People also ask about wild garlic pesto recipe river cottage

1. What is River Cottage?

River Cottage is a British cooking show and cookbook series created by chef and writer Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall. The show focuses on sustainable, locally-sourced cooking and features recipes using seasonal ingredients.

2. What are the benefits of using wild garlic in pesto?

Wild garlic is rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, iron, and magnesium. It also has antibacterial properties and may help lower cholesterol levels.

3. Can I use other types of nuts in wild garlic pesto?

Yes, you can use any type of nuts you like, such as almonds, cashews, or pistachios. Just make sure to toast them first for extra flavor.

4. How long does wild garlic pesto last in the fridge?

Wild garlic pesto will keep in the fridge for up to a week. Make sure to store it in an airtight container.

FAQ

Here are some frequently asked questions about wild garlic pesto:

1. Is wild garlic pesto vegan? No, it's not vegan because it contains Parmesan cheese. However, you can use a vegan alternative or omit the cheese altogether.
2. Can I freeze wild garlic pesto? Yes, you can freeze it in an airtight container for up to three months. Just make sure to thaw it overnight in the fridge before using.
3. What other herbs can I use in pesto? You can use any leafy herb you like, such as basil, parsley, or cilantro. You can also mix and match herbs for a unique flavor.

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