fennel pesto

By Jody

a great use for the fronds of the fennel bulb

Ingredients

• 1 small fennel bulb with lots of bushy fronds
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons pine nuts or sliced or slivered almonds
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons grated vegan Parmesan cheese

Preparation

Step 1

Chop off fennel fronds and coarsely chop enough to measure 1 cup (discard the rest of the fronds, save the fennel for later use, and of course eat the fennel bulb itself, it's great to dip into the pesto). Put the chopped fronds in a food processor or blender. Add the garlic, nuts, 1/2 teaspoon salt and a generous pinch of pepper to the food processor and process until finely chopped. Add 4 tablespoons of the oil and cheese continue to process until the mixture looks like pesto. Season with more salt to taste.

Makes 3/4 cup