Description
This Easy and Delicious Sicilian Pesto Recipe is a vibrant and fresh Mediterranean sauce made with ripe cherry tomatoes, toasted almonds, fresh basil, garlic, and Pecorino cheese. It offers a nutty, slightly spicy flavor and a rustic texture, perfect for quick meals or impressing guests. Versatile as a sauce, spread, or dip, it’s a wholesome and colorful addition to pasta, bread, grilled meats, and vegetables.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Base Ingredients
- 200g ripe cherry tomatoes
- 50g toasted almonds
- 30g fresh basil leaves
- 2 garlic cloves
Additional Ingredients
- 100ml extra virgin olive oil
- 40g grated Pecorino or Parmesan cheese
- Salt to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Red chili flakes (optional, to taste)
Instructions
- Prepare Your Ingredients: Wash the cherry tomatoes and fresh basil leaves. Peel the garlic cloves. Toast the almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat until golden and fragrant, then allow them to cool.
- Blend the Tomatoes and Almonds: Place the cherry tomatoes and toasted almonds into a food processor or blender. Pulse a few times to break them down into a coarse, chunky mixture, leaving some texture for a rustic feel.
- Add Herbs, Garlic, and Cheese: Add fresh basil leaves, garlic cloves, grated Pecorino or Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper to the mixture. Blend again, gradually adding the extra virgin olive oil until the pesto is smooth yet slightly textured.
- Adjust the Flavor and Finish: Taste the pesto and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or red chili flakes if using. Give it one last quick blend to incorporate all ingredients evenly, then transfer to a bowl for serving.
Notes
- Use ripe cherry tomatoes for the freshest and sweetest flavor.
- Toast almonds lightly to enhance nuttiness without bitterness.
- Pulse the mixture to retain some texture; avoid overblending into a puree.
- Use good quality extra virgin olive oil for authentic richness.
- When storing pesto, pour a thin layer of olive oil on top to prevent oxidation and preserve freshness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons (30g)
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 5mg