Carrot-Top and Pumpkin Seed Pesto

The fresh and flavorful ingredients of this pesto offer a great new spin on traditional pesto with the tactful use of usually discarded carrot tops.  Use the leafy greens from the carrots you buy instead of throwing them out.  Preparing this recipe will also give you an excuse to try organic carrots. From personal experience, I have to say they taste sweeter and more flavorful than the bulk carrots you purchase in bags with the stems already removed.

Carrot-Top and Pumpkin Seed Pesto

Ingredients
  

  • 2 Cups Carrot Tops (Green Leafy Part of Carrot, Packed Approx. 110g)
  • 1 Cup Basil Packed
  • 1 Cup Olive or Avocado Oil
  • 1 Cup Fresh Grated Parmesan
  • 1/3 Cup Shelled Pumpkin Seeds Pepitas
  • 2 Teaspoons Lemon Juice

Instructions
 

  • In a blender, combine all the ingredients. Make sure to remove the large stems from the carrot tops and use only the leafy part of the carrot. Blend to combine.
  • serve as a dip, pasta sauce or brushed over vegetables prior to roasting.