Wasabina Pesto

Wasabina pesto is a spicy, vibrant green sauce that uses wasabina mustard greens in place of traditional basil. Wasabina has a pungent, nose-tingling flavor similar to wasabi, making it a bold alternative to classic pesto. It can be served with pasta, roasted vegetables, grilled meats, and more.

Good

% Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet

Step 1

Combine ingredients: In a food processor or blender, combine the wasabina greens, garlic, toasted nuts or seeds, cheese (or nutritional yeast), and lemon juice. Add a good pinch of salt.

Step 2

Blend into a paste: Blitz the ingredients until they are coarsely blended. With the motor running, slowly drizzle in the extra virgin olive oil until the mixture is smooth but still has some texture.

Step 3

Adjust seasoning: Taste the pesto and adjust with additional salt or lemon juice as needed.

Step 4

Serve: The pesto is ready to be used immediately.

Step 5

For a milder flavor: Some mustard greens can be quite pungent. You can reduce the bitterness by blanching them briefly in boiling, salted water before using.

Step 6

Change the nuts: While this recipe uses sunflower seeds or cashews, you can also use walnuts or pine nuts for a different flavor profile.

Step 7

Add herbs: For a more complex flavor, consider adding some fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro to the mix.

Step 8

Using a mortar and pestle: For the most flavorful pesto, use a mortar and pestle to crush the ingredients. The crushing action releases more of the aromatic compounds than a food processor.

Step 9

Serving ideas: Mix the pesto with pasta and sautéed vegetables, or use it as a spread on sandwiches or toast.