LEMON VERBANA OR LEMON BALM PESTO

facebook share image   twitter share image   pinterest share image   E-Mail share image



Lemon Verbana or Lemon Balm Pesto image

Light and lemony, this pesto makes a perfect pasta sauce in the spring. Serve on high-protein rotini to create a main dish. Also excellent as a sandwich spread or on crackers as an appetizer. Lemon verbana or lemon balm pesto is more delicate than traditional basil pesto, but makes a lovely seasonal treat. Lemon balm is a perennial herb that is very easy to grow and lovely enough for the front garden. It's an excellent example of an ornamental plant that requires very little care, yet can provide you with free food for years after you plant it. Take cuttings freely; like most herbs, the balm will produce fresh new leaves when pinched back. Let it seed in in the fall, then the next spring pull any unwanted new plants to make a big batch of lemon-balm pesto. Freeze what you don't use within two or three days.

Provided by Sharon123

Categories     < 30 Mins

Time 18m

Yield 8 1/4 cup servings

Number Of Ingredients 8

4 garlic cloves
2 cups lemon balm leaves, tightly packed (or lemon verbana leaves)
1 cup shelled walnuts
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup extra virgin olive oil
6 ounces parmesan cheese, grated
fresh ground black pepper
salt

Steps:

  • Rinse lemon balm well in a bowl of water. Let it soak until needed.
  • Grate parmesan if needed.
  • Peel garlic. Set up your food processor with the cutting blade or use a blender. Turn the machine on and drop the garlic in while the blade is turning. Turn off when garlic is minced, after about 10 seconds.
  • Rinse the lemon balm well and pat dry with towel. Remove leaves and put in food processor or blender. Put walnuts and salt on top of leaves. Process until finely chopped but still a bit rough.
  • With the machine going, slowly pour in olive oil.
  • Stop the machine and add parmesan cheese. Process briefly to mix. Taste. Add salt and pepper as needed.
  • To serve, stir pesto into hot cooked pasta or spread on bread or crackers. Eat warm or at room temperature.
  • Refrigerate or freeze any extra.
  • Enjoy!

Roxie the Monochrome Cat Backup
[email protected]

This pesto sounds delicious! I can't wait to try it.


Michael “Mike” Keck
[email protected]

I've never tried lemon verbena or lemon balm pesto before, but I'm definitely going to make this recipe again.


Nano Skee
[email protected]

This pesto is the perfect balance of flavors. It's not too sour or too salty.


ronajah williams
[email protected]

I'm so glad I found this recipe. I've been looking for a good lemon verbena or lemon balm pesto recipe for ages.


Ifeoma Iloka Onyeka
[email protected]

This pesto is a great way to add some extra flavor to your favorite dishes.


Faruk Ahamad
[email protected]

I'm not a huge fan of pesto, but this one is really good. It's not too heavy or oily.


The Sony Sab TV Lover
[email protected]

This pesto is so flavorful and versatile. I've used it on pasta, pizza, and even as a marinade for chicken.


Seth Arehart
[email protected]

I love the bright citrusy flavor of this pesto. It's the perfect addition to any summer dish.


Finnegan Boring
[email protected]

This pesto is a great way to use up fresh herbs from the garden.


Adnan Riaz
[email protected]

I'm always looking for new pesto recipes and this one is definitely a keeper. It's so easy to make and it tastes amazing.


Pastor Paul Mosoito
[email protected]

This pesto is delicious! It's so flavorful and versatile.


Mohamed Farooklp
[email protected]

This pesto is the perfect way to add a pop of flavor to any dish. I love using it on grilled salmon.


Shahzad Noor
[email protected]

I'm not usually a fan of pesto, but this one is an exception. The lemon verbena or lemon balm really brightens it up and makes it taste so fresh.


Kabir Mughal
[email protected]

This pesto is so easy to make and it tastes amazing! I love using it on pasta, grilled chicken, and even just as a dip for vegetables.


Np Nuruddin khan
[email protected]

I made this pesto for a summer party and it was a huge hit! Everyone loved the unique flavor.


Yvonne Bond
[email protected]

This pesto is a refreshing and flavorful twist on the classic basil pesto. The lemon verbena or lemon balm adds a bright citrusy note that pairs perfectly with the nutty pine nuts and salty Parmesan cheese.