Kale Stem Pesto

[scoobie57]

I had always just thrown out the stems that I removed off the kale when I would de-stem it.  I found a recipe that uses the stems to make pesto and it was really good.  I blended instead of using a food processor and didn't have walnuts on hand so used almonds.  Great way to use the entire plant and get pesto out it as well.  recipe below 

http://www.loveandlemons.com/2013/10/21/kale-stem-pesto/

[SpiceChicken]

Thanks, I'll have to try this!  My first thought was, "But those stems are so tough!"  And that's why I usually toss them or use them to make vegetable stock instead of eating them.  Then I saw that the recipe calls for cooking the stems first.

[curlyd]

I always toss these stems in the trash, never thought of any recipe they could be used for but I will have to try this, it sounds good....thanks for posting the site.

[Rich_Laue]

Yes those stems are tough but they are still nutritous

So if you shread them they will easily be cooked down to a nice soft edible, or as this recipee calls for blend them or chop them real small and worst case it will be like having very finely chopped nuts in your dish.

Being that they are hard I would tend to blanch them before chopping them up.

My reasoning is that the blanching will start to break down the cell wall, allowing your body to get more out.

Raw Carrots and Mushrooms are also hard for the body to break down, 

[scoobie57]

I have been just letting them boil in salted water with Garlic for about 20-30 minutes before putting them and the rest of ingredients in a blender.  I also retain the water it's been boiled in and use it to drink as a hot broth since it's got the Kale and garlic flavor.  Very good and soothing hot drink.  If I happen to have any broccoli I've cut up, I am saving the large stalk parts and putting them in there also with the kale stems.  Pesto every week that's from remnants.  Cheap and nutritious.