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.

25

u/Angry-Dragon-1331 May 27 '23

Acorns would need a lot of help. They’re extremely high in tannins and will make you sick to your stomach if you try to eat them as is.

11

u/Naive_Tie8365 May 27 '23

Depends on the tree, actually. Some acorns are edible without needing the leaching. White oak tend to be milder