Best 3 Lemon Verbana Or Lemon Balm Pesto Recipes
Lemon verbena and lemon balm are two fragrant herbs that make a refreshing and flavorful pesto. Lemon verbena has a bright, citrusy aroma, while lemon balm has a milder, minty flavor. Together, these two herbs create a pesto that is both vibrant and herbaceous. This pesto is a great way to add flavor to grilled meats, fish, and vegetables. It can also be used as a spread for sandwiches or as a dipping sauce for crackers or bread.
Here are our top 3 tried and tested recipes!
LEMON VERBANA OR LEMON BALM PESTO
Light and lemony, this pesto makes a perfect pasta sauce in the spring. Serve on high-protein rotini to create a main dish. Also excellent as a sandwich spread or on crackers as an appetizer. Lemon verbana or lemon balm pesto is more delicate than traditional basil pesto, but makes a lovely seasonal treat. Lemon balm is a perennial herb that is very easy to grow and lovely enough for the front garden. It's an excellent example of an ornamental plant that requires very little care, yet can provide you with free food for years after you plant it. Take cuttings freely; like most herbs, the balm will produce fresh new leaves when pinched back. Let it seed in in the fall, then the next spring pull any unwanted new plants to make a big batch of lemon-balm pesto. Freeze what you don't use within two or three days.
Provided by Sharon123
Categories < 30 Mins
Time 18m
Yield 8 1/4 cup servings
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- Rinse lemon balm well in a bowl of water. Let it soak until needed.
- Grate parmesan if needed.
- Peel garlic. Set up your food processor with the cutting blade or use a blender. Turn the machine on and drop the garlic in while the blade is turning. Turn off when garlic is minced, after about 10 seconds.
- Rinse the lemon balm well and pat dry with towel. Remove leaves and put in food processor or blender. Put walnuts and salt on top of leaves. Process until finely chopped but still a bit rough.
- With the machine going, slowly pour in olive oil.
- Stop the machine and add parmesan cheese. Process briefly to mix. Taste. Add salt and pepper as needed.
- To serve, stir pesto into hot cooked pasta or spread on bread or crackers. Eat warm or at room temperature.
- Refrigerate or freeze any extra.
- Enjoy!
CHARRED GREEN BEANS WITH LEMON VERBENA PESTO
Provided by Karen Adler
Categories Side Vegetarian Backyard BBQ Parmesan Pine Nut Green Bean Grill Grill/Barbecue Healthy Pescatarian Wheat/Gluten-Free Peanut Free Soy Free No Sugar Added Kosher
Yield Serves 2 to 4
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Prepare a hot fire in your grill.
- Toss the beans with olive oil and place in a perforated grill basket or wok set on a baking sheet.
- For the Lemon Verbena Pesto, combine the lemon verbena, garlic, cheese, and nuts in a food processor and pulse to puree. Slowly add the olive oil with the processor running until the mixture thickens and emulsifies, about 1 minute. Season to taste with salt and pepper. The pesto will keep in the refrigerator for 7 to 10 days or it may be frozen for up to 3 months.
- Place the grill wok or basket directly over the fire and stir-grill tossing the beans with wooden paddles or grill spatulas until crisp-tender, about 5 to 8 minutes. Transfer the grilled beans to a large bowl and toss with about 1/4 cup of the Lemon Verbena Pesto or to taste.
OLD FASHIONED LEMON BALM AND LEMON VERBENA LEMONADE SYRUP
There are numerous recipes for lemon balm lemonade, and I have an old English recipe myself that I make regularly - but, if you find that it is sometimes a little "light" on the lemon flavour, add some lemon verbena for a super charged lemon kick! I have made this several times now and it is so refreshing and zingy, perfect for a hot summer's day. Once the syrup is made, it lasts for several weeks in the fridge, or several months in a cool dark place if you add the optional citric and tartaric acid. Serve with cold sparkling water and slices of lemon and a sprig of either lemon balm or lemon verbena.
Provided by French Tart
Categories Punch Beverage
Time P2DT5m
Yield 2 Litres
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- Place the sugar, lemon halves and water into a saucepan and heat until the sugar has completely dissolved.
- Add the lemon verbena and lemon balm leaves and boil for 2 minutes; leave to cool. Add the citric or tartaric acid if using at this stage. Allow to cool and then cover and allow to infuse for 24 to 48 hours, depending on what strength you require. (I have left this for 3 days sometimes too, for a real lemon zing.).
- Sieve through a fine mesh or colander, discarding the lemon halves and the herb leaves - then pour into clean and sterile bottle/s; seal tightly and store in a cool dark place for several months or in the fridge for several weeks.
- To use: 1 part syrup to 4 parts water or sparkling water, to taste - add more for a stronger lemon flavour or less for a more delicate flavour. Add ice, a slice of lemon and some lemon balm or lemon verbena leaves as a garnish.
Tips:
- For the best flavor, use fresh lemon verbena or lemon balm leaves. If you can't find them fresh, you can use dried leaves, but the flavor will be less intense.
- When choosing olive oil, opt for a high-quality extra virgin olive oil. This will give your pesto a rich, flavorful base.
- If you don't have pine nuts, you can substitute another type of nut, such as walnuts or almonds.
- To make your pesto ahead of time, simply store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, or freeze it for up to 3 months.
- Pesto can be used in a variety of dishes, such as pasta, pizza, sandwiches, and salads.
Conclusion:
Lemon verbena or lemon balm pesto is a delicious and versatile condiment that can be used in a variety of dishes. It's easy to make and can be stored in the refrigerator or freezer for later use. Whether you're looking for a new way to enjoy fresh herbs or simply want to add a burst of flavor to your favorite meals, lemon verbena or lemon balm pesto is a great option.
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