So last week I found myself wondering what to do with the giant bunch of cilantro that I bought at Jungle Jim’s for just $.60. I used some of a dinner I made last weekend. But didn’t want the rest to go to waste.
I knew immediately that I wanted to make a pesto, and a spicy one…as I had about 30 jalapenos staring at my from the middle shelf of the fridge!
This pesto will be perfect to make when you can’t keep up with all the cilantro growing in your garden this summer! I remember this happening the last 2 years, but I didn’t think to make pesto with it then.
Rinse and pat dry.
Remove stems. As best you can!
Chop jalapenos and red onion.
Add it all to the blender with salt and pepper.
Add olive oil.
Stream in more if you need it.
Use a masher to push it down as it blends, if necessary. Blend until smooth-ish.
I’ve got grand plans to use it on grilled pizzas, paninis and sandwiches this summer. And yes, I’ll be making more with the second bunch that I got this past weekend at Jungle Jim’s. Then I should have enough to last all summer!
Spicy Cilantro Pesto
Ingredients
- About 2 cups fresh cilantro leaves
- 2 jalapenos, seeded
- 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
- 1 tsp Kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- About 1/4 cup olive oil
Directions
- Remove the stems from the cilantro leaves and place them into a food processor or blender.
- Add the jalapenos, chopped red onion, salt and pepper. Stream in about 3 Tbsp of olive oil.
- Blend and add more olive oil if necessary.
- Press the leaves into the base if necessary, to get the pesto to form.
- Store in airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. Or freeze in airtight containers or freezer baggies. Just leave a little room at the top, as it will expand some as it freezes.
Makes about 2 cups of pesto.