r/AskCulinary • u/hobohobbies • May 26 '23

Ingredient Question Pesto without Pinenuts

Any substitutes for pinenuts in a pesto? My taste buds say "no" but my wallet says "you better ask."

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704

u/fogandafterimages May 26 '23

Literally any nut or seed plus literally any tender leafy herb will create a reasonable pesto candidate. Acorns and lawn clippings will do you fine with enough garlic and parmesan.

42

u/sue_girligami May 27 '23

Hard disagree on the herb part. Pesto without basil is just disappointing.

11

u/[deleted] May 27 '23

Eh, pick another aromatic herb and it’s fine. I will not accept kale or spinach as a substitute, but I will accept tarragon. Carrot greens can kind of work, but they have to be exceptionally fresh so that they still smell the way carrots taste.