Cauliflower leaf pesto: Turning kitchen scraps into a gourmet treat

You don't need to be a devout zero-waste enthusiast to experiment with utilising parts of produce in a delicious way that typically ends up in the bin. This time, my choice fell on a part of the cauliflower that seemed inedible to me. Nothing could be further from the truth!

Who would have thought that cauliflower leaves, usually discarded, could become the main ingredient of a delightful pesto? For a long time, I had no idea how much flavour and nutritional value were hidden in these green leaves. Now that I've discovered this simple recipe, my family can't stop asking for more.

Cauliflower leaf pesto is a tasty and healthy alternative to traditional recipes that allows you to utilise what often ends up in the bin fully. Thanks to a straightforward recipe, you can savour this green delicacy's unique taste and nutritional benefits. Try making cauliflower leaf pesto yourself and see how easy it is to transform scraps into a culinary hit.

Making cauliflower leaf pesto is extremely simple and quick. Here is the recipe step by step:

Ingredients:

• cauliflower leaves (from one cauliflower),
• 50 g of cashews (or walnuts),
• 50 g of grated parmesan,
• 2 cloves of garlic,
• 1 tablespoon of lemon juice,
• 100 ml of olive oil,
• salt and pepper (to taste).

Preparation:

1. Preparing the leaves: Thoroughly wash the cauliflower leaves and remove the hard, thick parts. Keep only the soft leaves. You can blanch them for 1-2 minutes in boiling water, then quickly cool them in cold water to preserve their green colour and softness. This is an optional step but is recommended for smoother pesto consistency.
2. Making the pesto: Place the cauliflower leaves, nuts, grated parmesan, garlic, and lemon juice in a blender or food processor. Blend, gradually adding olive oil until a smooth consistency is achieved. Season the pesto with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Storage: Transfer the ready pesto to a clean jar and store it in the refrigerator. You can also freeze it to enjoy it for a longer time.

Cauliflower leaf pesto is extremely versatile and can be used in many ways. Here are a few ideas:

• Pasta: Add pesto to your favourite pasta for a quick and healthy dinner.
• Sandwiches: Use pesto to spread for sandwiches, giving them a unique flavour.
• Salads: Add a spoonful of pesto to salads to enrich their taste and nutritional value.
• Marinade: Use pesto as a marinade for meat or vegetables before grilling.