Walnut Sauce

Difficulty:
1/5

This may not be a pasta sauce you’re familiar with, but it’s certainly something to welcome into your repertoire. Also makes a decadent topping for grilled chicken, or a dip for crostini.

Makes 3 1/2 cups (875 mL) walnut sauce

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup (125 mL) toasted pine nuts
  • 2 cups (500 mL) toasted walnut halves
  • One 1/2-inch (1 cm) slice Italian bread
  • 1/2 cup (125 mL) whole milk
  • 1/2 clove garlic
  • 1/2 cup (125 mL) freshly grated Parmesan
  • 3/4 cup (185 mL) extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon (5 mL) fresh marjoram or oregano leaves

Directions

  1. Toast the pine nuts in a dry skillet over low heat, shaking the pan occasionally to avoid burning, about 8 minutes. Watch closely, as pine nuts have a high oil content and can burn quite easily. Cool completely. In a separate larger skillet, toast the walnuts using the same method, except over medium heat. Cool completely.
  2. In a small bowl, soak the bread in the milk for 5 to 10 minutes. Squeeze the excess milk from the bread, discarding the milk.
  3. Place the walnuts, pine nuts, and garlic, plus a little salt, in a food processor. Add the bread. Process until you have a thick paste.
  4. Transfer the mixture to a bowl. Using a wooden spoon, incorporate the Parmesan and olive oil. Lastly, add the marjoram (or oregano).