Rocket & macadamia pesto

Elevate your dishes with our Rocket & Macadamia Pesto! This vibrant, nutty blend combines 6 cups of peppery arugula, fresh basil, rich macadamia nuts, zesty lemon juice, garlic, grated parmesan, and extra virgin olive oil to create a deliciously unique and versatile sauce. Perfect for pasta, salads, and more!

  • 24 Jan 2025
  • Cook time 0 min
  • Prep time 15 min
  • 18 Servings
  • 7 Ingredients

Rocket & macadamia pesto

Rocket & Macadamia Pesto is a delightful twist on the classic pesto recipe, merging the peppery flavors of arugula with the rich, buttery texture of macadamia nuts. This unique combination creates a vibrant and creamy pesto that pairs wonderfully with pasta, sandwiches, or as a dip. It's a versatile condiment that can elevate various dishes with its fresh and nutty profile.

Ingredients:

6 cups arugula
120g
1 cup basil leaves
7g
1/2 cup macadamia
72g
2 garlic cloves
6g
3/4 cup olive oil
180g
3/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
60g
1 tbsp lemon juice
5g

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Ingredients:
- Wash the arugula and basil leaves thoroughly to remove any dirt or grit.
- Peel the garlic cloves.
2. Blend the Nuts and Garlic:
- Place the macadamia nuts and garlic cloves into a food processor.
- Pulse a few times until coarsely chopped. This helps to break them down and combine evenly in the pesto.
3. Add Arugula and Basil:
- Add the arugula and basil leaves to the food processor.
- Pulse several times until the greens are finely chopped and well-combined with the nuts and garlic.
4. Incorporate Parmesan and Lemon Juice:
- Add the grated parmesan cheese to the mixture.
- Pour in the lemon juice to add a fresh, tangy flavor.
- Pulse a few more times to ensure everything is evenly mixed.
5. Stream in the Olive Oil:
- With the food processor running on a low setting, slowly pour in the olive oil in a steady stream.
- Continue blending until the mixture reaches a smooth, pesto-like consistency. Stop and scrape down the sides as necessary to ensure all ingredients are well-combined.
6. Taste and Adjust:
- Taste the pesto and adjust seasoning if needed. You might want to add a pinch of salt or a bit more lemon juice based on your preference.
7. Store or Serve:
- Transfer the pesto to a clean jar or container.
- Store in the refrigerator if not using immediately; it should keep for up to a week.
- Serve with pasta, on sandwiches, as a dip, or any way you enjoy pesto!

Tips:

- Toasting the macadamia nuts lightly in a pan before using them can enhance their flavor and add a deeper nutty taste to the pesto.

- If the pesto is too thick, you can add a little more olive oil to reach your desired consistency.

- For a more intense flavor, add more garlic cloves to taste.

- You can store leftover pesto in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Pour a layer of olive oil on top to preserve its freshness.

- For a dairy-free version, substitute the parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast.

- This pesto can also be frozen in ice cube trays for convenient portions. Once frozen, transfer the cubes to a freezer bag for up to 3 months.

In just a few simple steps, you can create this delicious Rocket & Macadamia Pesto, perfect for adding a burst of flavor to a variety of dishes. The marriage of arugula, basil, macadamia nuts, and parmesan cheese makes it a standout condiment that's sure to impress. Enjoy your homemade pesto and experiment with different ways to incorporate it into your meals!

Nutrition Facts
Serving Size24 grams
Energy
Calories 45kcal2%
Protein
Protein 1.52g1%
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates 1.31g0%
Fiber 0.46g1%
Sugar 0.32g0%
Fat
Fat 14g17%
Saturated 2.42g8%
Cholesterol 2.90mg-
Vitamins
Vitamin A 16ug2%
Choline 3.48mg1%
Vitamin B1 0.03mg3%
Vitamin B2 0.02mg2%
Vitamin B3 0.12mg1%
Vitamin B6 0.03mg2%
Vitamin B9 7ug2%
Vitamin B12 0.04ug2%
Vitamin C 1.24mg1%
Vitamin E 0.07mg0%
Vitamin K 9ug7%
Minerals
Calcium, Ca 44mg3%
Copper, Cu 0.03mg4%
Iron, Fe 0.24mg2%
Magnesium, Mg 10mg2%
Phosphorus, P 33mg3%
Potassium, K 50mg1%
Selenium, Se 1.71ug3%
Sodium, Na 77mg5%
Zinc, Zn 0.24mg2%
Water
Water 8g-
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

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