Roasted Red Pepper Pesto Recipe
Category: Sauces and Pestos
Servings: 4
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Red bell peppers | 600g |
| Pine nuts | 50g |
| Almonds (peeled) | 50g |
| Extra virgin olive oil | 60ml |
| Fresh basil leaves | 20g |
| Grated Parmigiano Reggiano DOP | 100g |
| Garlic | ½ clove |
| Fine salt | To taste |
Instructions
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Prepare the Peppers: Begin by roasting the red bell peppers in the oven. Preheat your oven to 220°C (430°F), and place the whole, washed peppers onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Roast them in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the skin starts to blacken and blister.
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Remove the Skin and Seeds: Once the peppers are roasted, carefully place them into a food-safe plastic bag to steam for about 5 minutes. This will make the skin easier to remove. After steaming, peel off the charred skin, remove the stems and seeds, and cut the peppers into halves.
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Blend the Pesto: Transfer the roasted pepper halves into a food processor. Add the pine nuts, peeled almonds, basil leaves (cleaned with a cloth), grated Parmigiano Reggiano, and half a clove of garlic. Pour in the extra virgin olive oil and add a pinch of fine salt to taste.
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Process the Pesto: Pulse the food processor until the mixture reaches a smooth consistency. If needed, adjust the texture by adding a little more olive oil to reach your desired consistency.
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Serve or Store: The roasted red pepper pesto is now ready to be served. Use it to top pasta, spread on bread, or drizzle over grilled vegetables. If you have leftovers, store the pesto in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4-5 days.
Tips and Variations:
- For an extra kick, you can add a small chili pepper to the pesto mixture.
- You can substitute the almonds with other nuts like walnuts or cashews for a different flavor.
- This pesto pairs wonderfully with grilled meats or as a dipping sauce for breadsticks.
Enjoy this rich, flavorful pesto that blends the sweetness of roasted peppers with the nuttiness of pine nuts and almonds. Perfect for a variety of dishes, it brings a Mediterranean touch to any meal.
