Artichoke Stalk Pesto: Zero Waste Recipe

Welcome to the 20th issue of our Zero Waste in the Kitchen column.!
Today we value the artichoke stems, often overlooked but rich in fiber, vitamins and minerals.

Turn them into artichoke pesto è un modo semplice per ridurre gli sprechi in cucina, aggiungere sapore alle ricette e approfittare di tutti i benefici nutrizionali dei carciofi.

Or prepare some tasty pancakes.

Con i gambi dei carciofi non si spreca nulla: gusto, salute e sostenibilità in un solo ingrediente!

Nutritional benefits of artichoke stems

Artichoke stems are often overlooked compared to other parts, but they are just as tasty and nutritious: are in fact a very good source of fiber, important for gut function, and contain a variety of vitamins and minerals. These include the vitamin C fundamental to the immune system, the vitamin K important for blood clotting and maintaining healthy bones, the potassium which controls proper muscle function and is essential for cardiac health, the magnesium, involved in many of the reactions that take place in cells, and the iron Involved in the production of hemoglobin.

Don't throw out the stems-they are nutritious and tasty, perfect for enriching your diet.

Pesto of artichoke stems

Ingredients:

• 150 g. artichoke stems (already cleaned)
• 30 g. almonds
• 20 g. of Parmigiano Reggiano DOP
• 1 clove of garlic
• 4 tablespoons of oil
• Salt
• Juice of one lemon

Preparation:

• Cleaning the stems
  Taglia i gambi a pezzetti e immergili in acqua con succo di limone per evitare l’ossidazione. Dopo qualche minuto, sciacquali sotto l’acqua corrente.

• Cooking
  Cuoci i gambi in pentola con acqua bollente o in vaporiera per 15–20 minuti, finché non risultano morbidi.

• Blend the pesto
  Transfer the stalks to the blender, add oil and a pinch of salt, and blend briefly.
  Add almonds, Parmesan, and garlic and blend until smooth.
  If necessary, add a tablespoon of water to adjust the consistency.

• Conservation
  Pour the pesto into a clean glass jar, cover with a teaspoon of oil and store in the refrigerator.

Suggestion: perfect for topping pasta, crostini or focaccia, ideal for an original appetizer.

More Zero Waste ideas and recipes

• Il pesto è una preparazione facile, gustosa e versatile. Puoi prepararlo anche con: i black cabbage stalks and with the clumps of the carrots.
• I broccoli stalks are great for making crispy chips.
• Longing for a artichoke risotto con radicchio, ma poco tempo per prepararlo? Nessun problema l’abbiamo preparato noi per te!
• Looking for more anti-waste recipes? Visit the section Zero wastes.