Roasted Chestnut and Parsley Pesto

Roasted chestnuts and parsley form the base of this bright, savory pesto. It's perfect for dressing up pasta, grilled vegetables, or as a dipping sauce for bread.

Chestnuts have been a staple of European cuisine for centuries, and for good reason. They're sweet, nutty, and have a slightly starchy texture that makes them perfect for both sweet and savory dishes. This pesto is a great way to showcase the versatility of chestnuts, and it's sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.

Prep time: 15 | Cook time: 0 | Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup roasted chestnuts
• 1 cup fresh parsley
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup nutritional yeast
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. In a food processor or blender, combine the roasted chestnuts, parsley, olive oil, nutritional yeast, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
2. Process until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
3. Taste and adjust the seasonings as desired.
4. Transfer the pesto to a jar or container and refrigerate until ready to use.
5. Serve the pesto over pasta, grilled vegetables, or as a dipping sauce for bread.

Why It Works

• The roasted chestnuts give the pesto a rich, nutty flavor.
• The parsley adds a bright, herbaceous note.
• The olive oil helps to emulsify the pesto and give it a smooth texture.
• The nutritional yeast adds a cheesy flavor without the need for dairy.
• The garlic and lemon juice add a bit of zing.