Skip to main content

Nettle Pesto

Recipe information

  • Yield

    serves 4

Ingredients

Kosher salt
4 ounces fresh nettle tips
3 cloves garlic
3/4 cup pine nuts
1 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and prepare an ice bath. Add the nettles to the boiling water and cook for 3 minutes, then plunge immediately into the ice bath to stop the cooking. Remove the nettles and squeeze very dry. Chop finely.

    Step 2

    Combine the nettles with the garlic, pine nuts, and a pinch of salt in a food processor. Pulse to combine. Add the oil in a steady stream until you have a uniform, thick paste. Transfer to a bowl and stir in the cheese.

    Step 3

    This recipe makes much more than you’ll need to serve four. If you top the pesto with a sealing layer of olive oil, it should last for 2 or 3 days in the fridge.

Ethan Stowell's New Italian Kitchen
Read More
Keep this easy frittata recipe on hand for quick breakfasts, impressive brunches, and fridge clean-out meals.
Turn humble onions into this thrifty yet luxe pasta dinner.
Like fattoush salad and strawberry shortcake roll.
Add a bag of potato chips and you've got yourself a party.
This is the type of soup that, at first glance, might seem a little…unexciting. But you’re underestimating the power of mushrooms, which do the heavy lifting.
The most efficient method takes less than an hour, but you might not even need it.
Using two entire lemons—pith, skin, and all—cranks up the citrus flavor in this classic dessert.
Think a Hugo spritz, a gin basil smash, and plenty more patio-ready pours.