Ingredients
Pasta of your choice, we went with this trottole
A large bunch, (about 80g) parsley, you could also use basil or do half half
100g roasted hazelnuts
60g parmesan, cut into chunks or nutritional yeast
zest and juice 1 lemon
150ml olive oil
Salt
Pepper
*you’ll notice we haven’t included garlic on this list. We don’t think it needs it! However, if you’re a garlic head, then by all means pop 1-2 crushed cloves in!
Summary
We recently started stocking Pepo Farms’ Australian grown roasted hazelnuts, and naturally, we’re excited about it, so we’ve whipped up a parsley and hazelnut pesto to celebrate! It’s good to go in just a few whizzes and adds infinite oomph to pasta, sandwiches, roast veg and grain salads – even dipping carrot sticks in it rocks. Make a double batch and freeze some for later.
Hazelnut and Parsley Pesto
Put the parmesan and hazelnuts in a food processor and whizz until they resemble breadcrumbs. Add the parsley, lemon juicer and zest and whizz again. With the motor still running, gradually drizzle in the olive oil. Season with salt and pepper.
Cook the pasta in salted, boiling water according to pack instructions.
Once cooked, reserve 1 cup of the cooking liquid, then drain pasta and return it to the pan. Stir in the pesto (we usually use about 100g pesto per serving) and add a splash of water if things are looking too dry/gluggy. Don’t worry if you think it’s looking too watery, keep stirring and it will slowly become silky, saucy and luscious!
Hints and Tips
Store pesto in an airtight container with a drizzle of olive oil over the top, this helps seal the sauce for longevity!
Can’t have dairy or nutritional yeast. Any suggestions for a substitute? Thank you
Hi Maria, I often make pesto omitting the cheese all together – usually i just up the nut ratio. It this instance, i might add 60g of cashews that have been soaked in boiling water (not actively boiling, but poured from the kettle), for 40 mins. Drain the nuts, add them into the food processor and whizz! They’ll give it the creamy texture you’re missing with the cheese. Then i would just be aware that the pesto will need a little extra salt. Let us know how you go 🙂
Just made the pesto – it’s never as quick as I expect… but its done now and is delicious!
Plucking all those herbs can be a bit of a chore… glad to hear it was worth it!
When do you add the parsley? Can’t see that step in method
Whoops! What a blunder, the parsley goes in with the lemon juice and zest – thanks for that!
Best hazelnuts I’ve had in a long time! Flavor is amazing!
They’re seriously mind boggling – so glad you enjoyed them 🙂