Sunday, October 4, 2009

So Much Sorrel, So Little Time, Part 2: Sorrel Pesto


If you read Part 1 of this little sorrel series, you know that I have too much of a good thing: a garden overflowing with beautiful French sorrel. Yumm-o! By overflowing, I mean more sorrel than my little household will ever use in a timely or realistic manner. So, pesto to the rescue!

I have been making pestos right and left with all of the bountiful herbs in my garden. Pestos are one of my favorite things to do with copious quantities of fresh herbs. They last and last (you can freeze or can them); are extremely versatile (I use them on pastas, meats of all kind, grilled veggies, sandwiches, omelets... too many uses to list!); and can be made in an endless variety of ways (just made a sage/walnut pesto that is amazing, if I say so myself). Pestos are a great way to brighten up your meals any time of year... but I know come January when fresh herbs and veggies are limited, I won't be hurting for vibrant flavors since I can just bust out a pesto or two from my frozen stash.

This sorrel pesto is a simple take on the classic basil pesto, using pinenuts, Parmesan cheese and olive oil. It is pictured served with a grilled tri-tip steak. Simple, and so, so good.

Bring it on January. Bring it on.

Sorrel Pesto
  • 2 cups fresh sorrel leaves, rough chopped
  • 1/2 cup pinenuts, toasted
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • Kosher salt, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus 1-2 tablespoons olive oil for drizzling into food processor
Add all ingredients to a food processor fit with the flat blade. Blend until smooth, adding the reserved olive oil by drizzling into the pesto as it is being blended. The oil will act as an emulsifier and the finished project should be creamy, but not necessarily smooth, and have a thick, paste-like texture.

2 comments:

  1. that pesto looks great. i can tell by your food choices you are from napa haha, is that weird? i am from wine county too ... sort of :p

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  2. I've never had sorrel before. I'll have to give that a try!

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