Sundried Tomato Pesto: A Flavorful Spread for Every Occasion
This vibrant Sundried Tomato Pesto is a simple yet delicious addition to your culinary repertoire. With its rich, tangy, and herbaceous flavors, it makes an excellent condiment, spread, or base for many dishes. Whether you’re looking to elevate your pasta, create a flavorful dip, or add a punch of flavor to sandwiches and appetizers, this pesto recipe will undoubtedly impress.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Sun Dried Tomatoes (drained of excess oil) | 100 grams |
| Fresh Basil Leaves (roughly chopped) | 1 sprig |
| Garlic (finely chopped) | 2 cloves |
| Roasted Almonds (Badam) | 2 tablespoons |
| Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (grated) | 2 tablespoons |
| Extra Virgin Olive Oil | 1/4 cup |
| Whole Black Peppercorns | 1 tablespoon |
| Salt | To taste |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 70 kcal |
| Protein | 2 g |
| Carbohydrates | 4 g |
| Fat | 6 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sodium | 130 mg |
Preparation Time:
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Prep Time: 0 minutes
Servings:
- This recipe yields approximately 10 servings.
Cuisine:
- Thai-inspired flavors with a Mediterranean twist.
Course:
- Main Course (but can be used as a topping, dip, or spread).
Diet:
- Vegetarian
Instructions:
-
Gather the Ingredients:
Start by collecting all the ingredients for your Sundried Tomato Pesto. You’ll need sun-dried tomatoes, basil, garlic, roasted almonds, Parmigiano Reggiano, olive oil, black peppercorns, and salt. -
Prepare the Ingredients:
If your sun-dried tomatoes are too firm, soak them in warm water for about 15 minutes to soften them. After soaking, drain any excess water and oil. -
Blend the Ingredients:
Place all the ingredients into your blender or food processor: the sun-dried tomatoes, basil, garlic, roasted almonds, Parmigiano Reggiano, black peppercorns, and salt. Begin blending while slowly adding the olive oil to create a smooth, spreadable paste. If the paste is too thick, continue adding olive oil a little at a time until you reach your desired consistency. -
Refrigeration:
Since this pesto contains cheese, it is best to refrigerate it. It will keep well for up to a couple of months in an airtight container. -
Serve:
Use your Sundried Tomato Pesto in a variety of ways. Spread it on sandwiches, stir it into pasta for a burst of flavor, or incorporate it into curries. It also makes a great dip or topping for appetizers, such as eggplant rolls or bruschetta.
Chef’s Tip:
- You can adjust the texture of the pesto by adding more or less olive oil depending on your preference. For a nuttier flavor, try adding more almonds or experiment with adding a touch of lemon juice for an extra zing!
This Sundried Tomato Pesto is incredibly versatile and can be used to enhance the flavors of many dishes. Whether you spread it, mix it, or dip it, the combination of sun-dried tomatoes, almonds, basil, and Parmigiano Reggiano will add a Mediterranean flair to your meals. Enjoy the bright, savory taste all year long!
