Tomato Pesto (Sicilian Pesto)

Roasted cherry tomatoes are the star of this Tomato Pesto (Sicilian Pesto) recipe. This vibrant and flavorful sauce is perfect for various occasions, whether you’re tossing it with pasta, spreading it on paninis, or enjoying it on crostini. The unique combination of roasted tomatoes and fresh basil offers a delightful twist to traditional pesto, making it a must-try for everyone.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple Ingredients: You only need a few fresh ingredients to create a rich and delicious sauce.
• Versatile Use: Perfect for pasta, sandwiches, dips, or drizzling over grilled vegetables.
• Quick Preparation: This recipe takes just 25 minutes from start to finish, making it ideal for busy days.
• Flavorful Twist: The roasting process enhances the sweetness of the tomatoes, adding depth to the flavor profile.
• Healthy Option: Packed with wholesome ingredients like basil and almonds, it’s a nutritious addition to your meals.

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking experience smooth and enjoyable, having the right tools is essential.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Food processor
• Baking sheet
• Aluminum foil
• Small skillet
• Spatula

Importance of Each Tool

• Food processor: Saves time by quickly chopping and blending ingredients to achieve the desired consistency.
• Baking sheet: Provides even heat distribution when roasting tomatoes for optimal flavor enhancement.
• Spatula: Helps in scraping down the sides of the food processor for an even blend.

REMEMBER

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE? CLICK BELOW AND PIN IT

PIN

Ingredients

For the Tomato Pesto (Sicilian Pesto)

• 1 pint cherry tomatoes
• ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil
• ½ cup slivered almonds
• 1 large clove garlic (peeled and smashed)
• 1 cup packed basil leaves
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt

How to Make Tomato Pesto (Sicilian Pesto)

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F. Line a rimmed sheet pan with aluminum foil. Arrange the cherry tomatoes in a single layer, add 1 tablespoon of the olive oil, and move them around with your hands to coat the tomatoes. Roast for 20 minutes, then set aside to cool.

Step 2: Toast the Almonds

While the tomatoes roast, toast your almonds. Add them to a small skillet over medium-low heat. Cook while tossing occasionally until golden brown (to ensure even toasting), which should take about 5 minutes.

Step 3: Blend Everything Together

Add the toasted almonds and the garlic to a food processor. Pulse until finely ground. Then add the cooled roasted tomatoes (use a slotted spoon or spatula so you don’t get any roasting liquid), basil, Parmesan, and salt. Pulse well to combine. Use a spatula on the sides of the food processor as needed. While processing, drizzle in the remaining olive oil through the shoot until emulsified and smooth. Enjoy your delightful Tomato Pesto!

How to Serve Tomato Pesto (Sicilian Pesto)

Tomato Pesto, also known as Sicilian Pesto, is versatile and can elevate many dishes. Here are some delicious ways to enjoy this vibrant sauce.

Pasta

• Toss cooked pasta with Tomato Pesto for a quick and flavorful meal. The pesto clings beautifully to the noodles, making each bite rich and satisfying.

Paninis

• Spread Tomato Pesto on crusty bread before grilling your favorite sandwich. It adds a burst of flavor that complements meats and cheeses perfectly.

Crostini

• Use Tomato Pesto as a topping on toasted baguette slices for an easy appetizer. Add fresh mozzarella or goat cheese for extra creaminess.

Grilled Vegetables

• Brush grilled or roasted vegetables with Tomato Pesto for a zesty finish. It enhances the natural sweetness of veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant.

Pizza

• Use Tomato Pesto as a pizza sauce base instead of traditional tomato sauce. It gives your pizza an exciting twist that everyone will love.

Salad Dressing

• Thin out Tomato Pesto with a bit of lemon juice or additional olive oil to create a unique salad dressing. Drizzle over your favorite greens for added flavor.

How to Perfect Tomato Pesto (Sicilian Pesto)

To make your Tomato Pesto shine, follow these helpful tips.

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh basil and ripe cherry tomatoes will enhance the overall flavor of your pesto.
• Toast the almonds: Toasting the almonds brings out their nuttiness and depth, adding richness to the pesto.
• Adjust consistency: If you prefer a thinner pesto, add more olive oil until you reach your desired consistency.
• Experiment with cheese: While Parmesan is classic, try alternatives like Pecorino Romano for a different flavor profile.
• Store properly: Keep leftover pesto in an airtight container topped with a thin layer of olive oil to prevent browning.
• Try variations: Mix in other herbs or nuts to create your personalized twist on this classic recipe.

Best Side Dishes for Tomato Pesto (Sicilian Pesto)

Pairing side dishes with your Tomato Pesto can enhance your meal experience. Here are some great options:

1. Garlic Bread: Crispy bread infused with garlic butter is perfect for dipping into the rich flavors of Tomato Pesto.
2. Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, basil, and tomatoes drizzled with balsamic glaze complement the pesto beautifully.
3. Roasted Potatoes: Crispy roasted potatoes seasoned with herbs pair well with the vibrant flavors of the pesto.
4. Grilled Asparagus: Lightly grilled asparagus spears add freshness and crunch alongside pasta tossed in pesto.
5. Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad mixed with veggies offers a healthy option that balances the richness of the pesto.
6. Stuffed Peppers: Bell peppers filled with rice, vegetables, and spices create a hearty companion to any dish featuring Tomato Pesto.
7. Mixed Green Salad: A simple salad with seasonal greens provides a refreshing contrast to the bold flavors of the pesto.
8. Zucchini Noodles: For a low-carb alternative, spiralized zucchini tossed in Tomato Pesto makes for a delightful dish that’s light yet filling.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To create the perfect Tomato Pesto (Sicilian Pesto), it’s important to avoid common pitfalls. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:

• Using unripe tomatoes: Unripe tomatoes lack flavor. Always choose ripe, sweet cherry tomatoes for the best results.
• Overroasting the tomatoes: Roasting too long can lead to dryness. Keep an eye on them and remove them once they are slightly blistered.
• Not toasting almonds properly: Raw almonds can taste bitter. Toast them until golden brown for a richer flavor.
• Ignoring texture preferences: Some prefer a chunky pesto, while others like it smooth. Pulse the mixture according to your liking for the best consistency.
• Skipping the salt: Salt enhances flavors. Make sure to add the correct amount of kosher salt; adjust according to taste.

REMEMBER

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE? CLICK BELOW AND PIN IT

PIN

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Best consumed within 1 week for optimal freshness.

Freezing Tomato Pesto (Sicilian Pesto)

• Use ice cube trays for easy portioning.
• Seal in freezer-safe bags or containers; can freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating Tomato Pesto (Sicilian Pesto)

• Oven: Preheat and warm in a small dish until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat in short bursts, stirring in between, until hot.
• Stovetop: Gently warm over low heat, stirring frequently to avoid burning.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Tomato Pesto (Sicilian Pesto):

How do I make Tomato Pesto (Sicilian Pesto) vegan?

You can easily make this pesto vegan by omitting the Parmesan cheese or using a plant-based cheese alternative.

Can I use other nuts instead of almonds?

Yes! You can substitute almonds with walnuts or pine nuts for different flavor profiles.

What dishes pair well with Tomato Pesto (Sicilian Pesto)?

This pesto works great with pasta, sandwiches, or as a dip for veggies and crackers.

How should I adjust the recipe for larger batches?

Simply multiply each ingredient by the number of servings you need. Ensure your food processor can handle the volume!

Final Thoughts

Tomato Pesto (Sicilian Pesto) is a vibrant sauce that adds a burst of flavor to many dishes. Its versatility makes it perfect for pasta, sandwiches, and more. Feel free to customize it by adding different herbs or nuts based on your preference!