Watercress No Nut or Cheese Pesto
Description: This vibrant pesto is an exquisite option for enhancing your culinary creations, serving beautifully as a coating for filet mignon or elevating a hamburger to gourmet status. It also pairs wonderfully with pasta for a fresh and flavorful dish. Adapted from the “Meat Lovers Cookbook” by Sarlin & Porter, this recipe offers a delightful twist by cutting the oil in half while still maintaining a silky consistency.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Watercress leaves | 2 cups |
| Fresh basil leaves | ¾ cup |
| Fresh parsley | 1 cup |
| Olive oil | 1 cup (or reduce to ½ cup for a lighter version) |
| Fresh coarse ground black pepper | ¼ tsp |
| Garlic cloves | 7 cloves |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 989.2 |
| Total Fat | 108.4 g |
| Saturated Fat | 15 g |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg |
| Sodium | 35.3 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 6.5 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugars | 0.5 g |
| Protein | 2.7 g |
Instructions
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Process the Greens: In a food processor, combine the watercress, basil, parsley, and garlic. Pulse until finely chopped, creating a fragrant herb mixture.
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Incorporate the Olive Oil: With the processor running, gradually drizzle in the olive oil to form a smooth paste, adjusting the amount of oil according to your desired consistency.
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Season to Taste: Add the freshly ground black pepper, blending once more to ensure the flavor is evenly distributed.
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Store for Freshness: Transfer the pesto to a sealed container, topping it with a thin layer (¼ inch) of olive oil to prevent oxidation. This will keep your pesto fresh for up to two weeks in the refrigerator.
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Freezing Option: For longer storage, spoon the pesto into ice cube trays and freeze. This method allows you to enjoy your pesto for up to six months, making it easy to add a burst of flavor to future dishes.
Embrace this vibrant pesto to elevate your culinary repertoire, whether as a delightful condiment or an ingredient to invigorate a variety of dishes.
