Chard Pesto with Almonds and Parmesan Recipe

Ingredients:

• 4 cups packed chopped chard leaves
• 1/2 cup sliced almonds
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper

Instructions:

1. Wash and dry the chard leaves and set them aside.
2. In a dry skillet, toast the almonds over medium heat for 3-4 minutes or until lightly browned and fragrant. Remove from the skillet and allow to cool.
3. In a food processor, pulse the cooled almonds, parmesan cheese, and garlic until finely ground.
4. Add the chard leaves, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper to the food processor and pulse until roughly chopped.
5. Drizzle in the olive oil while the food processor is running and blend until the pesto is smooth and creamy.
6. Transfer the pesto to a container or jar with a tight-fitting lid and store it in the refrigerator.

Serving Suggestions:

Use this delicious chard pesto as a pasta sauce, spread it on bread or crackers, or use it as a condiment for grilled meats or vegetables. For a light and healthy meal, toss the pesto with your favorite cooked whole grain, like quinoa or brown rice, and top it with additional sliced almonds and parmesan cheese.

Verdict:

This chard pesto is a delicious and nutritious twist on classic pesto, thanks to the addition of earthy chard leaves and crunchy almonds. The parmesan cheese and garlic add savory depth of flavor, while the lemon juice adds a bright, tangy note. This versatile sauce is sure to become a go-to in your kitchen.