Pesto with Purslane and Parsley

To prepare a delicious sorrel paste, it is essential to carefully choose the ingredients. Start by picking fresh sorrel, ensuring that the leaves are healthy and green. After gathering the sorrel, carefully remove the stems, then wash the leaves under a stream of cold water, making sure no impurities remain. It is important to check both sides of the leaves, as shell-less snails are big fans of this plant and, unfortunately, may be hidden on the leaves. Once you have thoroughly cleaned the sorrel, continue with the parsley, washing it and removing the stems to obtain only the aromatic leaves that will contribute to the final taste of the paste.

At this point, clean a few cloves of garlic, making sure to choose fresh garlic to add an intense flavor note. Weigh the pine nuts, which will provide a crunchy texture and a special flavor. Now it’s time to gather all the ingredients. Tear the sorrel into smaller pieces so that it processes more easily. Add the sorrel, parsley, garlic, and pine nuts to the food processor.

Turn on the machine and grind the ingredients until you achieve a smooth paste. You may need to stop the machine from time to time to scrape down the sides to ensure everything is well mixed. If you notice that the paste is too thick, add water, one tablespoon at a time, being careful not to exceed two tablespoons. This step is important to achieve the desired consistency. Once the paste is ready, transfer it to airtight containers and keep them in the freezer. This sorrel paste will be a versatile ingredient that you can use in various dishes, such as pasta, soups, or even as a topping for fish.

If you don’t have a food processor, don’t worry! You can use a blender, but you should know that the process will take longer as you will need to process the ingredients in small batches. Regardless of the method chosen, the final result will be a flavorful and healthy paste, perfect for adding a touch of freshness to your dishes. Enjoy every bite and relish the benefits this simple and tasty recipe brings!