Tuesday, May 24, 2011

Raw Kale and Avocado Pesto



Raw Kale and Avocado Sauce
Raw Kale and Avocado Sauce
Raw Kale and Avocado Sauce
Raw Kale and Avocado Sauce
Raw Kale and Avocado Sauce

Would you just look at that huge bunch of kale we picked from the garden this weekend? Toby brought it inside with the biggest smile on his face. That's only about one fifth of what is still growing. Which means you're likely to see a lot of kale around here in the next few weeks, as I find out how many there are to prepare it.


My sweet Mom brought over the most perfectly ripe avocados yesterday. At least once a week, she drops by with produce. Whatever it is, it is always the very best she can find. Especially when it comes to avocados. Perfectly green, without a single blemish. I have so many childhood memories of going to the market with her, and watching as she methodically picked out every ingredient. She studied labels, then felt and smelled her way through the produce aisle. Now, this is totally me. I have to look over every single item, to make sure it's juuust right. I grope the apples and kiwis, and smell the pineapples and cantaloupes. Oh, how little girls become like their mothers in the blink of an eye.


So, I took one look at the avocados she brought, saw the kale from our garden, and thought "avocado-kale pesto sauce". Neither are traditional pesto elements, so keep in mind that the term is used very loosely here. No nuts (hardly necessary with the avocado), no cheese, not much oil and no lemon. Still delicious as ever, though.

I threw a whole avocado in the blender, along with two big handfuls of kale (stems removed), garlic, a little olive oil and cider vinegar. One taste, and I was in love. I realize it may sound a bit strange, but just give it a try. It's so creamy and flavorful, you won't remember you're eating avocado and kale on your pasta.


I garnished it with a few sliced grape tomatoes, but I think asparagus, peas or artichoke hearts would be nice, too. If you aren't vegan, try crumbling a little goat cheese or feta on top. Also, I think it would be awesome spread on baguette with roasted veggies, or as a dip, with pita chips and crackers.

Try it out and let me know what you think!

1 ripe avocado
two big handfuls of kale leaves
3-4 cloves garlic
1 tablespoon raw cider vinegar
extra virgin olive oil
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
water

Begin by washing the kale leaves, and removing the stems (they can be a bit tough). In the pitcher of a blender, add the avocado, two big handfuls of kale leaves (about 1-2 cups loosely packed), garlic, cider vinegar and 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil. Start to blend, and stream in about 1/4 cup of filtered water. Keep blending, and and add more water as needed. You're looking for a very thick, creamy consistency.

Pour on your favorite pasta, and enjoy!

for babies 12 months and older



15 comments:

Kathleen said...

oh my. yes! we have a ton of cherry tomatoes which look like a perfect garnish.

Love_Again said...

that reminds me! i have to get my kale in the ground! great recipe, can't wait to try it out.

Anonymous said...

I just made your avocado smoothie - really good! I've got kale coming this week in my organic delivery box so I'll be sure to try this.

Kate said...

Avocado and kale pesto? Brilliant! I'm trying it as soon as I can.

Gaby said...

As a new vegetarian, I LOVE all of your recipes! I'm going to have to try this asap.

p.s. I also recently made your avocado smoothie and blogged about it. x

Kathleen said...

megan i made this for dinner last night, it was absolutely fantastic.i added some parsley and a little lemon. thank you so much for sharing all your great meals!

Sherilyn said...

Just discovered your blog. It is lovely - well done. I could relate to your "about" page. That is very similiar to my own up bringing and hence my way of bringing up my own children today. Look forward to visiting again soon.

Sherilyn @ www.wholepromise.blogspot.com

Sprouted Kitchen said...

gorgeous gorgeous site! I found you via coco and love your food. I searched pages back in your site and am impressed by how your photography has improved as well. Nice work!

Megan Joy said...

Love Again - Did you get it in? I'm so happy to have reminded you :)

Denise - So glad you liked the smoothie! Did you try the pesto yet?

Kate - I like to think it's an original idea, since I've never seen it on a blog before :) I've been doing it for a couple of years, but never with kale. It's such a yummy combo!

Gaby- SO nice to hear that you are enjoying the recipes, and of course, that you are a new vegetarian :)

Megan Joy said...

Kathleen - That is wonderful! and you are very, very welcome.

Sherilyn - Your blog is beautiful! Thanks for stopping by, and leaving a sweet note.

Sprouted Kitchen - Thank you so, so much. Your blog is absolutely gorgeous, and getting a comment from you feels a little bit like getting a comment from a blog celebrity :) and yes, my photography has really come a long way in the last year. Still nothing compared to your husband's, though! ;)

Anonymous said...

Happy Happy Birthday to your daughter!! I just found your blog, I love the layout, the content and everything, really. I am looking forward to try the recipe for Chamomile Honey Iced Tea, I love Iced Tea!!
Juliette

K:. said...

I just made this and it was so good- thank you!! I added spinach as well :)

Anonymous said...

Beautiful site, family and recipes. I wonder if you'd let me in on the secret that is the type of kale you planted!

Cheers,

*Heather*

Kim Jackson said...

I made this recipe for dinner tonight. Sooooo yummy!!! Thanks for posting!

Unknown said...

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