10 Creative Ways to Use Ottolenghi Miso Pesto

Ottolenghi’s Miso Pesto is a unique twist on traditional pesto, combining the nutty, umami richness of miso with caramelised onions, spinach, and pine kernels. This bold, versatile ingredient opens up a world of possibilities in the kitchen, allowing you to transform everyday dishes into something extraordinary. From pasta to spreads and marinades, here are ten creative ways to use Ottolenghi Miso Pesto in your cooking.

1. Classic Miso Pesto Pasta

For a comforting yet sophisticated meal, toss freshly cooked pasta with a generous spoonful of Miso Pesto. Add some sautéed spinach, top with toasted pine nuts, and finish with freshly grated parmesan or a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for a vegan twist. This is an easy, flavourful dinner ready in minutes.

2. Miso Pesto Spread for Sandwiches

Upgrade your sandwiches by spreading Ottolenghi’s Miso Pesto onto your bread. This adds a savoury, umami depth that pairs well with fillings like roasted vegetables, grilled chicken, or even avocado. It’s a perfect spread for both vegetarian and meat-based sandwiches.

3. Drizzle Over Roasted Vegetables

Elevate roasted vegetables by drizzling them with a little Miso Pesto. This works particularly well with root vegetables like carrots, sweet potatoes, and parsnips, as well as cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and cauliflower. The miso and caramelised onion blend brings out the natural sweetness of the vegetables.

4. Miso Pesto Pizza Base

Replace traditional tomato sauce with Miso Pesto on your pizza base for a gourmet twist. Top with mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, and mozzarella for a rich, flavourful pizza that’s anything but ordinary. Add fresh rocket after baking for an extra touch of freshness.

5. Stirred into Soup

Miso Pesto adds a complex, savoury note to soups. Stir a spoonful into a vegetable soup, minestrone, or even ramen for added depth. The miso brings a subtle richness, while the spinach and pine nuts add a delicate, herbaceous flavour.

6. Marinade for Grilled Meats

Use Miso Pesto as a marinade for meats like chicken or pork. The umami of the miso infuses the meat, while the caramelised onions add a touch of sweetness. Marinate for at least an hour before grilling or baking for a delicious, flavour-packed main dish.

7. Tossed with Grains

For a simple, nutritious meal, toss cooked grains like quinoa, farro, or couscous with Miso Pesto. Add chopped vegetables, herbs, and perhaps some toasted nuts or seeds for texture. This is an excellent option for a quick, plant-based lunch or side dish.

8. Miso Pesto & Veggie Stir-Fry

Add a spoonful of Miso Pesto to your stir-fry for an Asian-inspired twist. This pairs beautifully with vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, and snap peas. Finish with sesame seeds and a splash of soy sauce for a quick, flavourful stir-fry.

9. Dressing for Salads

Whisk Miso Pesto with olive oil and a splash of lemon juice to create a creamy, umami-rich salad dressing. This dressing is fantastic with greens, roasted veggies, and grains, bringing a delicious depth to even the simplest salads.

10. Miso Pesto Dip

Miso Pesto makes a fantastic dip for veggies, crackers, or bread. Just spoon it into a bowl and add a drizzle of olive oil. This is a simple, elegant appetiser that’s packed with complex flavours.

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Images courtesy of Ottolenghi.co.uk