Prep time:

Cooking time:

Total time:

Serves: 4

150g Young Nettle Tops

1tbsp Water

50g Parmesan, grated

2 Garlic Cloves

50g Cashew Nuts

Grated Rind of 1 Lemon

150ml Extra Virgin Olive Oil

A Generous Grating of Nutmeg

Blitzed together in less than five minutes, this cheat’s pesto uses cashews instead of pine nuts as a cheaper, easier-to-get-hold-of substitute. I promise no one will know the difference.

  1. Wilt the nettle tops in a saucepan with 1tbsp water.
  2. Blitz the wilted nettle tops in a food processor with the grated Parmesan, garlic cloves, cashew nuts, lemon rind, extra virgin olive oil and nutmeg.
  3. Taste your emerald blend and add any extra oil, salt or pepper you think it needs.
  4. Slather the pesto over slices of crusty white bread, top with cooked chicken pieces, add Parmesan shavings and drizzle with olive oil for the ultimate spring treat.

  • words:
  • pictures: Jason Ingram

You may also like

Savoury gingerbread & local Camembert (Winnie’s Wheel)

To make this canapé you can use shop-bought gingerbread, but I prefer something a bit more savoury.

Parma ham basket with labneh, truffle or herb oil & Jerusalem artichoke crisp

A complex canapé with multiple elements, but the wow factor lies in the surprisingly simple-to-make basket.

Chilli beef, mozzarella & chilli jam bruschetta

A super easy canapé that can be elevated with homemade bread and chutney or simplified using shop-bought ingredients. The flexibility makes it ideal for both casual gatherings and more polished events.