Sunkissed Sundried Tomato Pesto a Taste of the Mediterranean

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Ever get bored of regular pesto? Me too! Let’s shake things up with this vibrant sundried tomato pesto . Honestly, it's like sunshine in a jar.

Brief Overview

This Mediterranean pesto twist is super simple to whip up. It brings the taste of Italy right to your kitchen.

Ready in just 10 minutes, this pesto recipe easy serves about eight people. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fancy weekend brunch.

Main Benefits

This homemade pesto is packed with flavor and nutrients. It's a great source of antioxidants from the sun-dried tomatoes. Serve it at your next gathering and watch it disappear.

What makes this best pesto recipe special? The rich, intense flavour, honestly!

So, How to make sundried tomato pesto pasta ?

What’s the Deal with Sundried Tomato Pesto?

This sun-dried tomato pesto recipe isn't just a sauce. It's an experience, you know? The sweetness of the sun-dried tomatoes pairs perfectly with the nutty Parmesan.

It's like a flavour party in your mouth!. Trust me; you'll be hooked.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Forget complicated recipes. Seriously, this pesto without pine nuts is as easy as it gets. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a total beginner, you can nail this. Plus, it’s so versatile!

Get Ready to Grab Your Ingredients

Alright, gather your goodies. Sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, basil. The usual suspects, but with a twist. Let's get this pesto party started!

Let's Get This Pesto Party Started: Ingredients & Gear

Alright, let's dive into what you'll need for the best pesto recipe . This sun-dried tomato pesto is seriously simple. You'll feel like a proper Italian chef in no time.

Trust me, it's easier than ordering takeaway.

Main Ingredients: The Flavour Brigade

This pesto recipe easy hinges on good ingredients. The measurements are exact. Don't worry, I’ve included both US and metric.

• Sundried tomatoes: 4 oz (115g) oil-packed. Get the good stuff. They should be plump and intensely red. Drain them but keep the oil !
• Garlic: 2 cloves , roughly chopped. I love garlic. Honestly, sometimes I add a bit more. Don't tell anyone.
• Pine nuts: 1/4 cup (25g) . Lightly toasted. Toast them! It makes a HUGE difference. Walnuts work in a pinch too for pesto without pine nuts .
• Fresh basil leaves: 1/2 cup (50g) , packed. You know that classic basil smell? Should be overpowering.
• Parmesan cheese: 1/4 cup (30g) , grated. Parmigiano Reggiano is a game changer.
• Reserved sun-dried tomato oil: 2-4 tbsp . or extra virgin olive oil, if needed. This is where the magic happens.
• Lemon juice: 1 tbsp (15ml) , freshly squeezed. Brightens everything up.
• Salt and black pepper: to taste. Go easy on the salt. The Parmesan is already salty.

Seasoning Notes: The Secret Sauce

Seasoning is where we make this homemade pesto sing. It's all about balance. That's the secret to the Mediterranean pesto .

Essential spice combinations? Just salt and pepper here. The sun-dried tomatoes and basil do the heavy lifting. Flavor enhancers? That lemon juice is key.

It cuts through the richness. For a quick sub, you can use red wine vinegar if you are in a pinch.

But fresh lemon is king.

Aromatics? We're talking garlic and basil. These two make everything better, right?

Equipment Needed: Keep it Simple

You don't need fancy gear for a great sundried tomato pesto . I've made it with minimal tools.

• Food processor. Essential. Unless you want to chop everything by hand. I don't. A high powered blender works too.
• Measuring cups and spoons. Obvious, but crucial.
• Small skillet. For toasting those pine nuts, if you want to be boujee. It is optional.

If you don't have a food processor, a blender works fine. Or, you know, channel your inner grandma and chop everything finely.

Good luck! This sun-dried tomato pesto recipe is about to change your life. Get ready for some amazing sundried tomato pesto pasta ! The key takeaway when cooking is, It's all about personal taste and having a go!

Sun-Kissed Sundried Tomato Pesto: A Taste of the Mediterranean

Oh my gosh, are you ready for a flavour explosion? This sundried tomato pesto recipe is seriously next level. It's my go-to when I need a quick and easy way to jazz up a simple meal.

Think of it as sunshine in a jar! I first tried something similar at a little trattoria in Italy. Honestly, I've been hooked ever since.

So let's get started and I'll show you how to make pesto from scratch with this pesto recipe easy to follow.

It is also one of the best pesto recipe I tried so far.

Did you know that pesto dates all the way back to Roman times? Yep, they were mashing herbs and garlic way back then!

Prep Like a Pro for the Best Homemade Pesto

Before we dive in, let's get organized. It makes everything so much smoother. First, drain that 4 oz / 115g of sun-dried tomatoes .

Reserve the oil though! It's liquid gold. Roughly chop 2 cloves of garlic. Measure out 1/4 cup / 25g of pine nuts and 1/2 cup / 50g of fresh basil.

Also get 1/4 cup / 30g of Parmesan cheese ready. That’s it! Everything ready? Let's go!

Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto Recipe: Easy Steps to Flavour

1. Toast 1/4 cup / 25g pine nuts. Lightly toast them in a pan over medium heat until golden. Watch them carefully, they burn fast! Cool slightly.
2. Combine drained sun-dried tomatoes 4 oz / 115g , chopped garlic 2 cloves , toasted pine nuts 1/4 cup / 25g , basil 1/2 cup / 50g , and Parmesan 1/4 cup / 30g in a food processor.
3. Pulse it until you get a coarse paste. You don't want it too smooth.
4. With the food processor on, slowly drizzle in the reserved sun-dried tomato oil ( 2-4 tbsp ) until you reach your desired consistency. Add the lemon juice ( 1 tbsp / 15ml ).
5. Season with salt and pepper. Remember Parmesan is already salty!
6. Transfer to a jar and store.

Pro Tips for Sundried Tomato Pesto Pasta

Want to take your Mediterranean pesto game up a notch? Try these:

• Toasting those pine nuts makes a HUGE difference in flavour. Don't skip it if you can.
• Don’t over process it! Over processing can lead to a bitter taste.
• Pesto without pine nuts ? Use sunflower seeds or walnuts for a change.

You know what’s great? This vegan sun-dried tomato pesto is fantastic on pasta. Or you can also have it on sandwiches and grilled chicken.

This sun-dried tomato pesto pasta is just amazing! It's also a game changer for the usual sun-dried tomato recipes . Honestly, once you make your own, you'll never go back to store-bought.

This homemade pesto is next level. Enjoy!

Recipe Notes: Unleash the Pesto Potential!

This sun-dried tomato pesto recipe is more than just a recipe. It's a flavour adventure! Honestly, it’s one of my go-to’s when I’m craving something quick but bursting with flavour.

Serving It Up Like a Pro

Forget boring presentation! A dollop of this sun-dried tomato pesto brightens up any dish. I love swirling it through pasta.

I have done a tasty sundried tomato pesto pasta at least 20 times, I like to add cherry tomatoes. Try plating with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan and fresh basil for an elegant touch.

For drinks, a crisp Pinot Grigio or a refreshing Aperol spritz complements the Mediterranean vibes. Homemade pesto tastes best served this way.

Storage Savvy

Leftover sundried tomato pesto ? No worries! Pop it in an airtight container and it'll happily chill in the fridge for up to 5 days.

I've even frozen it in ice cube trays for individual portions! Just thaw and use. Reheating pasta? Toss the pesto in after the pasta is drained to keep it vibrant.

Remixing the Recipe

Feeling adventurous? Let's play with this pesto recipe easy format. To make it vegan sun-dried tomato pesto , swap the Parmesan for nutritional yeast.

I also like adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for a kick. Seasonal swap: try adding roasted red peppers to the pesto in the late summer for a richer flavour.

Nutrition Nuggets

This Mediterranean pesto isn't just delicious. It's packed with antioxidants from the sun-dried tomatoes. Plus, basil is a natural anti inflammatory. The healthy fats from pine nuts contribute to good health.

This best pesto recipe is super versatile! I feel how to make pesto from scratch is fun and also it's good for you.

Seriously, give it a go. You won't regret it! Make sure you check more of my sun-dried tomato recipes to pair this recipe up.

If you're short on pine nuts, don't let that stop you. You can even make pesto without pine nuts , using walnuts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Help! My sundried tomato pesto tastes bitter. What did I do wrong?

Bitterness in pesto usually comes from over processing. The heat from the food processor can release bitter compounds in the basil. Try pulsing the ingredients gently, instead of running the processor continuously. Also, using high-quality ingredients, especially good olive oil, can make a difference!

Can I freeze sundried tomato pesto? I don't want it to go to waste!

Absolutely! Pesto freezes beautifully. Portion it into ice cube trays for easy use later that way you only thaw what you need, a bit like getting a takeaway. Once frozen solid, transfer the cubes to a freezer bag.

It'll keep for up to 3 months and is perfect for adding a burst of flavour to winter stews or pasta dishes.

What's the best way to store sundried tomato pesto once I've made it?

Store your sundried tomato pesto in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To prevent browning, pour a thin layer of olive oil over the top before sealing. This creates a barrier against the air. It will keep for about a week...if you can resist eating it all before then!

I'm allergic to pine nuts! Can I still make sundried tomato pesto?

No worries, mate! You can definitely make this recipe nut-free. Substitute the pine nuts with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds. You could also try walnuts or almonds but remember that will change the flavour profile, giving it a richer, earthier taste.

Just toast them lightly before adding them to the food processor as you would with pine nuts.

Is sundried tomato pesto healthy? What are the nutritional benefits?

Sundried tomato pesto can be a healthy addition to your diet in moderation. It's packed with vitamins and antioxidants from the tomatoes and basil, and healthy fats from the olive oil and nuts. However, it is also relatively high in calories and sodium due to the oil and cheese.

So, enjoy it as part of a balanced diet everything in moderation, as they say!

My sundried tomato pesto is too thick! How can I thin it out?

Easy fix! If your pesto is too thick, simply add a tablespoon or two of either the reserved sun-dried tomato oil (if you have it) or good quality extra virgin olive oil. You can also use a little bit of pasta water if you're using it on pasta.

Add the liquid gradually while pulsing the mixture in the food processor until you reach your desired consistency.