Carrot Top Salsa Verde
Updated Apr 28, 2021, Published Nov 13, 2020
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Carrot Top Salsa Verde makes a great accompaniment to fish, seafood, vegetables and grilled meat. It’s one of the best carrot top recipes and the perfect way to use carrot tops for total no-waste cooking!
Welcome to another post in my Waste Not feature!
As I mentioned in previous Waste Not posts, I watched the late Anthony Bourdain’s movie, Wasted, on a plane ride back from Europe last year. My eyes were opened as to how much food we waste as a nation and frankly, it made me pretty uncomfortable.
I decided to be more conscious about food waste and am trying to look at vegetable trimmings, clippings and remnants in new ways. As a result, I began this new feature intended to deal with food waste in a creative and non-preachy way.
I prefer carrots that still have the tops attached, and I often have beautiful, fresh carrot tops that I do not want to waste. I considered pesto, but I wanted to try something different, like this carrot top salsa verde.
What is Salsa Verde?
Not to be confused with the Mexican salsa verde which is made with tomatillos, this salsa verde is the Italian version. Italian salsa verde varies by region, however, it’s best compared to an Argentinian chimichurri because of its vinegary edge.
Traditionally, Italian salsa verde is done by hand which creates a thick, rustic sauce. Thankfully food processors have come along which makes easy work of this delicious sauce.
How to make Carrot Top Salsa Verde:
- Start with a bunch of super fresh carrot tops.
- Wash them WELL as they can be very sandy. I fill a sink with water and immerse the tops. Swish them around so the dirt falls to the bottom. Wash the tops until there’s no dirt at the bottom of the sink.
- Dry them off well in a salad spinner or blot dry with paper towels.
- Gather up the rest of the ingredients:
- Italian parsley
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Garlic
- Lemon juice
- Anchovy paste
- White wine vinegar
- Red pepper flakes
- Salt
- Combine everything in a food processor or blender and process until smooth. If you leave it slightly coarse, it will resemble the traditional Italian salsa verde more.
That’s it! I think you’re really going to love this Carrot Top Salsa Verde!
More Waste Not recipes:
- Purslane Chimichurri
- Cream of Celery Leaf and Scallion Soup
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Thai Green Curry Butter
- Whole-Grain Croutons with Thyme, Rosemary and Parmesan
- Radish Greens Pesto
Carrot Top Salsa Verde
Ingredients
- 1 bunch green carrot tops, including stems
- 1 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 4 cloves garlic, chopped
- 1/2 large lemon, juiced
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil, or as needed
- 3 tablespoons white wine vinegar
- 1 heaping teaspoon anchovy paste
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- Salt, to taste
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a food processor and process until smooth.
- Add additional olive oil as needed to achieve a smooth, saucy texture or leave slightly coarse for a more traditional style.
Notes
- Freeze in small containers as desired for 2-3 months.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Like this? Leave a comment below!
Yes, bang on! Just like salsa Verde! I didn’t have anchovies paste so substituted with Thai fish sauce and a couple of pickled jalapeños. Friend just been to the allotment and brought me a bunch of carrots. Glad I found your recipe. New something I could do with these.
Hi, Craig, Thanks so much and so happy you love this recipe! I think fish sauce is a great substitute so good call. Thanks again!
Surprisingly really good! Great way to use this. Change anchovy paste for nuoc nam (fish sauce). Really good!
Hi, Gen, Thanks so very much and happy you enjoyed!! Love the idea to use fish sauce in place of anchovy. Thanks again!