Delicious and Healthy Dishes with Nasturtium: A Comprehensive Guide

Ingredients

  • 1 cup of fresh Nasturtium leaves
  • 1/2 cup of Nasturtium flowers
  • 1/2 cup of Nasturtium seeds
  • 2 cloves of garlic
  • 1/2 cup of pine nuts
  • 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 1/2 cup of olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Steps and instructions

  1. Thoroughly wash the Nasturtium leaves, flowers, and seeds under cool water.
  2. Peel the garlic cloves.
  3. In a food processor, combine the Nasturtium leaves, flowers, seeds, garlic cloves, and pine nuts.
  4. Pulse the ingredients in the food processor until they are finely chopped.
  5. Add the grated Parmesan cheese to the food processor and pulse again to combine.
  6. While the food processor is running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the mixture becomes a smooth paste.
  7. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste.
  8. Serve the Nasturtium pesto immediately, or store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.

Tools for making

  • Food Processor - A kitchen appliance used to chop, blend, or puree ingredients.
  • Grater - A tool used to grate or shred ingredients, such as cheese.

Recipe variations

  • Substitute pine nuts with walnuts, almonds, or sunflower seeds for a different flavor profile.
  • Add a squeeze of lemon juice or a splash of balsamic vinegar for a tangy twist.
  • Replace Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast for a vegan-friendly version.
  • Add a handful of fresh basil or parsley for added herbaceousness.
  • Include a small chili pepper or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
  • Use a combination of different greens such as spinach, arugula, or kale along with Nasturtium leaves.
  • Experiment with different oils like avocado oil, walnut oil, or sesame oil for unique flavors.
  • Add roasted garlic cloves for a richer, smoky taste.
  • Incorporate roasted red bell peppers or sun-dried tomatoes for added depth of flavor.

Recipe overview

This delightful Nasturtium recipe is a unique, flavorful, and healthy dish that offers a wonderful way to use every part of this edible plant. Nasturtiums are not only beautiful in your garden, but they can also bring a peppery, radish-like flavor to your meals. This recipe will guide you through the process of creating a Nasturtium pesto, using the leaves, flowers, and seeds of the plant, along with classic pesto ingredients like garlic, pine nuts, and Parmesan cheese. The result is a vibrant, nutritious, and versatile sauce that can be used as a spread on bread, a dip for vegetables, or a topping for pasta. Enjoy the unique taste of your garden with this creative and delicious recipe.

Common questions

  1. Can I use any type of Nasturtium for this recipe?
    Yes, you can use any variety of Nasturtium for this recipe. The leaves, flowers, and seeds of all Nasturtium varieties are edible.
  2. Can I substitute the pine nuts with a different type of nut?
    Yes, you can substitute the pine nuts with other nuts like almonds, walnuts, or cashews according to your preference.
  3. Can I freeze the Nasturtium pesto?
    Yes, you can freeze the Nasturtium pesto by transferring it to an airtight container or ice cube trays. It will stay good for up to 3 months in the freezer.
  4. What can I use Nasturtium pesto for?
    Nasturtium pesto can be used as a spread on sandwiches, a sauce for pasta dishes, a topping for grilled meats or vegetables, or as a dip for bread or crackers.
  5. Can I adjust the quantity of ingredients in the recipe?
    Yes, feel free to adjust the quantities of ingredients to suit your taste preferences. You can add more or less garlic, cheese, or olive oil based on your preference.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Food Processor - Used to finely chop and blend the Nasturtium ingredients into a smooth paste.
  • Cutting Board - Provides a stable surface for chopping and preparing the Nasturtium leaves, flowers, and garlic cloves.
  • Knife - Needed to peel the garlic cloves and chop the Nasturtium leaves, flowers, and garlic cloves.
  • Measuring Cups - Used to accurately measure the required amounts of Nasturtium leaves, flowers, seeds, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil.
  • Grater - Utilized to grate the Parmesan cheese.
  • Spatula - Helps to scrape down the sides of the food processor and ensure all ingredients are well combined.
  • Storage Container - Used to store the Nasturtium pesto in the refrigerator if not serving immediately.

Origin stories

Nasturtiums, with their vibrant flowers and distinctive leaves, are originally from South and Central America. They were brought to Europe by Spanish conquistadors in the late 15th to early 16th century, who valued them not only for their beauty, but also for their culinary and medicinal properties. The peppery taste of the leaves, flowers, and seeds made them a popular addition to salads and sauces, while their high vitamin C content made them useful in preventing scurvy. Today, Nasturtiums are appreciated worldwide for their edible and ornamental qualities. This recipe for Nasturtium pesto pays homage to the plant's South American roots, combining the vibrant, peppery flavor of the Nasturtium with classic pesto ingredients for a unique culinary experience.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.