From trash to treasure! This vibrant, waste-reducing Carrot Top and Kale Pesto transforms often-discarded carrot tops into a brilliant green sauce that'll make your pasta sing, your sandwiches pop, and your dinner guests wonder about your secret ingredient. Packed with nutrients and bursting with fresh flavor, this isn't just another pesto—it's a delicious revolution in your kitchen!
From trash to treasure! This vibrant, waste-reducing Carrot Top and Kale Pesto transforms often-discarded carrot tops into a brilliant green sauce that'll make your pasta sing, your sandwiches pop, and your dinner guests wonder about your secret ingredient. Packed with nutrients and bursting with fresh flavor, this isn't just another pesto—it's a delicious revolution in your kitchen!
Prepare a large pot of water and bring to a simmer. Add enough salt to make it "salty like the sea."
While water is heating, prepare an ice bath in a large bowl.
Blanch all green vegetables (kale, carrot/radish tops, basil, and parsley) in the simmering water for approximately 45 seconds.
Immediately transfer blanched greens to the ice bath to stop the cooking process.
Remove greens from ice bath and squeeze out excess water thoroughly.
Transfer squeezed greens to a high-powered blender or food processor.
Begin blending the greens while slowly streaming in olive oil until you achieve a smooth consistency. Remember that the lemon juice will thin the mixture further.
In a separate bowl, combine the filtered lemon juice, salt, and coriander.
Add the blended pesto to the bowl with the lemon juice mixture.
Mix thoroughly until well combined.
Taste and adjust seasonings if necessary.
Recipe Notes
Carrot Top and Kale Pesto
Transform kitchen scraps into culinary gold with this vibrant Carrot Top + Kale Pesto. Nutrient-rich, zero-waste, and bursting with fresh flavor.
A savory Roasted Radish dish, perfectly paired with a creamy Herby Tahini Sauce. Tender radishes, roasted to perfection and served with a delightful blend of tahini, lemon juice, garlic, and fresh herbs. A harmonious balance of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more.
Inspired by an original recipe created for Recipe for Success by Chef Alyssa Dole
A savory Roasted Radish dish, perfectly paired with a creamy Herby Tahini Sauce. Tender radishes, roasted to perfection and served with a delightful blend of tahini, lemon juice, garlic, and fresh herbs. A harmonious balance of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more.
Inspired by an original recipe created for Recipe for Success by Chef Alyssa Dole
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees and line a sheet pan with parchment paper.
Wash and dry the radishes and slice them with mandoline or sharp knife in 1/8-inch medallions. Then cut the medallions into half moons
In a mixing bowl toss the watermelon radishes with the olive oil, salt and pepper.
Spread them onto the lined sheet pan and roast for 10 minutes. Remove from the oven, flip the radishes and roast for 10 minutes more.
Meanwhile prepare the sauce by combining the tahini, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, green onion, mint, dill, parsley, water, salt and pepper in a blender or food processor and pulse until very smooth. Add more water if needed to reach your desired consistency.
Spread a thin layer of sauce on each plate and top with the roasted radishes, a sprinkle of green onion and a pinch of salt and pepper if desired.
Recipe Notes
Use the sauce to make a slaw out of shredded radish, carrots and cabbage.
Prepare the pasta according to the package directions, in a pot of salted boiling water, until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining the pasta.
Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and red pepper flakes. Stir and cook 30 seconds to 1 minute, until the garlic is lightly browned around the edges. Add the kale, salt, and several grinds of pepper and cook, tossing with tongs, until the kale is wilted, up to 1 minute.
Add the spaghetti and toss to combine. Add ½ cup pasta water, lemon juice, lemon zest, and toss. If the pasta is seeming too dry, add the remaining ½ cup pasta water to create a light sauce.
Season to taste. Garnish with parsley and serve with Parmesan or vegan Parmesan.
First make the aioli. In a small bowl whisk together the mayonnaise, lemon juice, garlic, paprika and salt. Taste and add more salt or lemon juice if desired. Set aside.
In a large cast iron or non stick skillet big enough for peppers to sit in a single layer heat avocado oil over medium high heat, until oil is shimmering and very hot.
Add peppers and let sit for about 30 seconds so they have a chance to char and blister before tossing. Cook, tossing every 30 seconds or so until peppers are charred all over and have softened slightly.
Peppers will be done once charred on all sides, and has started to soften, but is still bright green and holding it’s shape. For the best texture and flavor you don’t actually want them to cook all the way.
Serve warm, topped with generous pinch of flaky sea salt, alongside the garlicky aioli dipping sauce. Enjoy!
