Pesto doesn't always have to be smooth, green, and dominated by basil. This charred broccoli and lemon pesto is more nuanced, both in flavor and texture.
Light charring brings out the broccoli's natural nuttiness, which is echoed by the toasted hemp hearts. Basil plays a supporting role, adding a familiar note without overwhelming; fresh lemon adds piquancy, while Parmesan brings savory depth, tying the ingredients into a pesto that's rich but not heavy.
Leaving this pesto a little chunky sets our expectations for what we're about to taste, signalling that this is something a little different from the usual one-dimensional pesto.
And this is a wonderfully versatile sauce. Toss it with pasta for an easy meal, spread it on crostini for a colorful cocktail nibble, or swirl it into creamy risotto just before serving. Each preparation shows a different side of the pesto, making it a useful recipe to have in your repertoire.
Suggested Keywords
Broccoli Pesto
Broccoli and Pesto
Broccoli Pesto Pasta
Broccoli and Pesto Pasta
Pasta with Broccoli
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