Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto Recipe
🕒 Prep Time: 20 minutes
🕒 Total Time: 20 minutes
🥣 Servings: 4 servings
Description:
Indulge in the rich flavors of this homemade Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto, a delightful concoction that perfectly balances the sweetness of sun-dried tomatoes with the sharpness of parmesan cheese and the aromatic blend of herbs. This recipe, curated by lovewithrecipes.com, is not only quick and easy to prepare but also versatile, making it an ideal accompaniment for pasta, sandwiches, or as a flavorful dip.
Ingredients:
| Quantity | Ingredients |
|---|---|
| 1/4 | Sun-dried tomatoes |
| 4-6 | Garlic cloves |
| 1/2 | Parmesan cheese |
| 1/4 | Red onion |
| 1 | Fresh oregano leaves |
| 1 | Fresh basil leaves |
| 1/2 | Fresh thyme sprigs |
| 1/2 | Red pepper flakes |
| 1/4 | Lemon juice |
| 1 | Olive oil |
Instructions:
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Prepare Ingredients: Gather all the ingredients required for the Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto recipe. Ensure the sun-dried tomatoes are softened if they’re not already.
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Blend Ingredients: Place the sun-dried tomatoes, garlic cloves, grated parmesan cheese, chopped red onion, fresh oregano leaves, fresh basil leaves, thyme sprigs, red pepper flakes, lemon juice, and olive oil into the food processor.
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Blend Until Smooth: Secure the lid of the food processor and pulse the ingredients until they form a thick, grainy sauce. You may need to stop occasionally to scrape down the sides of the food processor bowl to ensure all ingredients are thoroughly blended.
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Adjust Consistency: If the pesto is too thick, you can add a little more olive oil to achieve your desired consistency. Conversely, if it’s too thin, you can add more sun-dried tomatoes or parmesan cheese to thicken it up.
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Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Once the pesto reaches the desired consistency, taste it and adjust the seasoning if necessary. You can add more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes to suit your taste preferences.
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Serve or Store: Transfer the Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto to a clean, airtight container and store it in the refrigerator until ready to use. Alternatively, serve it immediately by spooning approximately 1/4 cup of pesto onto each serving of pasta, sandwiches, or use it as a dip.
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Garnish and Enjoy: Before serving, you can garnish the pesto with additional grated parmesan cheese and a drizzle of olive oil for added flavor and presentation. Serve alongside your favorite dishes and enjoy the burst of Mediterranean flavors!
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 476.6
- Fat: 38.5g
- Saturated Fat: 6.1g
- Cholesterol: 5.5mg
- Sodium: 731.9mg
- Carbohydrates: 33.6g
- Fiber: 11.5g
- Sugar: 14.1g
- Protein: 11.5g
Recipe Notes:
- This Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one week, allowing you to enjoy its delicious flavors over multiple meals.
- Feel free to customize this recipe by adding your favorite nuts, such as pine nuts or almonds, for an extra layer of texture and flavor.
- For a vegan-friendly version, omit the parmesan cheese or substitute it with nutritional yeast for a similar cheesy flavor.
- Experiment with different herbs and spices to create your unique twist on this classic pesto recipe. Try adding fresh parsley, cilantro, or even a hint of smoked paprika for a unique flavor profile.
- Serve this Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto alongside grilled chicken, roasted vegetables, or as a topping for bruschetta for a tasty appetizer option.
- Don’t hesitate to double or triple the recipe if you’re serving a crowd or want to have extra pesto on hand for future use. Simply adjust the quantities of ingredients accordingly and store any leftovers in the freezer for long-term storage.
