Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 2
This recipe Carrot Top is a perfect example of turning “waste” into flavor. Instead of discarding carrot tops, they are transformed into a vibrant, earthy pesto paired with your favorite pasta.
Ingredients for Carrot Top
â 1 cup carrot tops (greens from 2-3 carrots), washed and chopped
â 2 cloves garlic, peeled
â 1/4 cup olive oil
â 1/4 cup toasted walnuts or sunflower seeds
â 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast for a vegan option)
â 2 tablespoonsđ„ lemon juice
â Salt and pepper, to taste
â 300g pasta of your choice
â Optional: Cherry tomatoes or roasted vegetables for garnish.
Cooking Steps for Carrot Top
- đ„§Prepare the Pesto
In a blender or food processor, combine carrot tops, garlic, toasted walnuts (or sunflower seeds), Parmesan cheese, and lemon juice. Blend until the mixture is coarse. - đ„§Add Olive Oil
Slowly drizzle in olive oil while blending until the pesto reaches your desired consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste. - đ„§Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water. - đ„§Mix the Pasta and Pesto
Toss the cooked pasta with the carrot top pesto, adding a splash of reserved pasta water to help coat the noodles evenly. - đ„§Serve and Enjoy
Plate the pasta and garnish with cherry tomatoes, roasted vegetables, or extra Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve warm or cold for a delightful zero-waste meal.âThis dish is not only delicious but also a step toward reducing food waste. Save those carrot tops and give them a second life in your kitchen! âđ Craving More Extreme Culinary Adventures? If youâre fascinated by rare and ancient food traditions, explore our guide to KakigĆri with Kuromitsu & Kinako â A Japanese Shaved Ice Delight You Need to Try! with Indigenous Roots for the Adventurous Food Lover.Discover rare culinary experiences at Good Food and Moreâwhere every recipe is a journey through heritage, craftsmanship, and unforgettable flavors.