Recipe Image
This recipe uses foraged stinging nettles, which must be collected with care as uncooked nettles will sting bare skin. Once cooked, however, nettles lose their sting and have lovely flavor similar to spinach. They are also highly nutritious. To learn more about how to identify and cook stinging nettles, watch the episode of Outside & In with The Cook’s Cook in which forager Rachel Goclawski teaches host Denise Landis how to forage for this interesting and prolific wild green.
*Stinging nettles must be collected with care, as uncooked nettles will sting bare skin. Wear heavy gloves, long sleeves, and long pants. For more information, watch the episode of Outside & In with The Cook’s Cook in which Rachel Goclawski teaches Denise Landis how to forage for stinging nettles.
In a food processor or blender, coarsely chop the nettles. Add basil and mustard greens, and pulse a few times. Add the cheese, garlic, pine nuts, and lemon juice. Chop to make a coarse paste.
With the motor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil. Taste the mixture and season to taste with salt. Process again until the texture is to your liking — slightly coarse or very smooth — and adjust salt again as needed. The pesto may be served over hot or cold pasta, used as a spread on toasted bread, or added to soups, sauces, or dressings. It freezes well if stored in an airtight container.
The razor-sharp precision chefs love, with Shun's durability and ease of care you need for everyday cooking.