Make Ahead

Vegan Kale Pesto

January 21, 2014
0
0 Ratings
  • Makes 2/3 cup
Author Notes

I’m not a vegan, heck, I’m not even a vegetarian, but it’s nice to have versatile options. To me, good food is just good, aside from any dietary qualifications. Maybe it’s just a California thing, but there are so many people following different diet paths that I can’t keep it all straight. I find comfort in good recipes that allow me to feed a variety of guests.

Enter this vegan kale pesto. It’s easy and delicious, fresh and yes, vegan. It’s bright green, tastes zesty and can be used in multiple ways. Salt brined capers are delicious and such a treat! Toss it in pasta finished with a scant pinch of chile flakes and a drizzle of top shelf olive oil, or spread it on a wrap sandwich in lieu of mayo, and if your eating field is wide open, and you like the taste of kale and nuts, then I highly recommend using this pesto as a sauce base for a pizza layered with creamy cheese and fennel sausage... I'm just saying. —eat-drink-garden

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Ingredients
  • 2 cups chopped dinosaur kale, about 6 large leaves, stems removed
  • 2 small cloves of garlic, smashed
  • 1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon salt-brined capers, rinsed
  • 3 tablespoons blanched almonds
  • zest one lemon
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
Directions
  1. Add the kale, garlic, red pepper flakes, salt, capers, almonds, lemon juice and zest to your food processor. Pulse until incorporated.
  2. Then add the olive oil and pulse until you reach desired consistency.

See what other Food52ers are saying.

I produce the Santa Barbara based blog Eat Drink Garden. The inspiration for every meal, for every cocktail, and for every blog entry is from my garden. I learned a few years ago that if you choose seasonal fruits and vegetables, you don't need to do too much to them in order to make them beautiful and delicious every time.

1 Review

Amy January 21, 2014
These are some of my favorite things! All hail the health benefits of kale and Eat-Drink-Garden's ability to make it fun and delicious.