Winter Sage Pesto
Pesto may seem like a summer thing but this one was made with real live veggies that are still growing in New York (err, as of last weekend at least.) Spinach and sage are pretty hardy as far as greens and herbs go and there is something smoky and rich about sage that makes it perfect for the holiday season. Why resort to dried herbs when you can still use fresh?
I used this pesto to top a sweet and nutty Sunchoke Latke but you can use it perk up any winter root - how about smothering a pan of roasted potatoes with it? Or stirring it into celery root mash?
If you want to get really wild, open a box of pasta (size and design your choice) and dump it into a simmering pot of well-salted water. Cook to al dente, drain, and mix in enough pesto to make the whole shebang green and yummy.
Time: 15 minutes
Makes about 2 cups of pesto
Winter Sage Pesto
1 cup walnuts, chopped
1/4 sweet onion, roughly chopped
1/2 cup loosely packed sage leaves, stems removed and roughly chopped
1 1/2 cups loosely packed fresh spinach, roughly chopped
juice of 1/2 lemon
1/4 cup olive oil or more
sea salt
freshly ground black pepper
Grind up the walnuts in a blender until coarsely ground. Add the onion, sage, spinach, lemon and olive oil.
Blend until well combined. Salt and pepper to taste. Thin out with more olive oil if desired.
December 6th, 2007 17:59
I love this! It looks such a great way to make a refreshing seasonal meal even in the midst of winter, without having to rely on braises and root vegetables.
December 6th, 2007 21:10
What a great idea to make pesto with sage. Why haven’t I ever tried that?
December 7th, 2007 00:59
gorgeous. I love the idea of using spinach for pesto.
December 8th, 2007 18:23
I am going to have to try this out of curiosity. It would seem like sage would be too strong.. but I’m very intrigued.
I almost always use spinach in pesto.. I’ve even used kale.
December 15th, 2007 10:19
I love pesto, thanks for the new idea. A friend directed me to your site, and its lovely. can’t wait to explore your blog further.
Vive la foodies!
Best,
Paula
December 26th, 2007 15:55
Now that I’ve discovered that I can substitute pumpkin seeds for nuts, I’ll be trying a version of your pesto tonight. Thanks for the idea!
January 15th, 2008 21:19
I finally made this - it’s lovely! Really delicious.
February 11th, 2008 10:03
[…] Vanessa made Winter Sage Pesto with sage and spinach, which I really enjoyed when I played around with her recipe at home. […]