Zucchini Pesto: A Fresh and Flavorful Blend

Zucchini pesto is a delicious and healthy twist on traditional pesto. It combines the rich flavors of walnuts, fresh basil, and Parmesan cheese with the light, subtle taste of zucchini. Perfect as a spread on bread or as a vibrant addition to various dishes, this recipe is ideal for making the most of your garden harvest or simply trying something new in the kitchen.

Ingredients

US Measurements:

• 2 medium zucchini (about 330 g)
• 35 g walnuts (approximately 1.2 oz)
• 10 g fresh basil leaves (about 1 cup)
• 35 g grated Parmesan cheese (approximately 1.2 oz)
• 130 g olive oil (about ½ cup)
• Salt to taste

European Metric:

• 2 medium zucchini (about 330 g)
• 35 g walnuts
• 10 g fresh basil leaves (about 1 cup)
• 35 g grated Parmesan cheese
• 130 g olive oil
• Salt to taste

Directions

1. Preparation of Zucchini: Begin by washing the zucchini thoroughly. Cut off both ends and grate them coarsely using a box grater or a food processor. Place the grated zucchini into a sizable bowl.
2. Draining the Zucchini: Season the grated zucchini with salt and leave it to drain for approximately 30 minutes. This process helps remove excess moisture, ensuring your pesto has the right texture.
3. Squeeze & Blend: After 30 minutes, use your hands to squeeze out the excess water from the zucchini. Transfer the drained zucchini to the bowl of a blender.
4. Add Ingredients: Into the blender with the zucchini, add the walnuts, fresh basil leaves, and grated Parmesan cheese.
5. Blend: Pour in 65 milliliters (about ¼ cup) of olive oil. Blend on high speed until the mixture is smooth and combined.
6. Final Emulsification: Once blended, pour in the remaining olive oil and blend once more briefly to incorporate everything fully.
7. Storing the Pesto: Remove the zucchini pesto from the blender and transfer it into a serving or storage container. Seal tightly and store it in the refrigerator for future use.

Zucchini pesto is not only versatile but also an excellent way to utilize zucchini, making it a fantastic addition to your meal rotation.

Nutritional Information and Cooking Time

• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Draining Time: 30 minutes
• Cooking Time: 5 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes

Nutritional Information (per serving, based on 10 servings):

• Calories: 170
• Protein: 3 g
• Carbohydrates: 5 g
• Fat: 17 g
• Fiber: 1 g

Cooking Tips and Tricks

1. Choosing Zucchini: Opt for small to medium-sized zucchini for the best flavor and texture. Larger zucchinis tend to have more water and can be less flavorful.
2. Storage Considerations: Store the zucchini pesto in an airtight container. To prolong freshness, consider topping the pesto with a thin layer of olive oil before sealing. This helps to prevent oxidation.
3. Adjusting Flavor: Customize the flavor profile of your zucchini pesto by adding a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, or a clove of garlic, for an extra kick. Adjust the salt to taste for a more balanced flavor.

Possible Variations

1. Nut-Free Version: Substitute walnuts with sunflower seeds or omit nuts altogether for a nut-free zucchini pesto that is safe for nut allergies.
2. Spicy Zucchini Pesto: For those who enjoy some heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a few slices of fresh jalapeño during blending to create a spicy twist on the classic recipe.

Zucchini pesto is more than just a recipe; it’s a way to experience fresh flavors and a healthy lifestyle. Make it today and enjoy the versatility it brings to your meals!