Description
This Sicilian Tomato Pesto recipe is a vibrant, fresh sauce bursting with the rich flavors of sun-ripened tomatoes, fragrant basil, and tangy cheese. Ready in under 15 minutes, it’s perfect for quick meals and versatile enough to use as a pasta sauce, spread, or dip. Made with natural ingredients and customizable to various dietary needs, it brings an authentic taste of Sicily to your kitchen.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 500g ripe plum tomatoes, washed and roughly chopped
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves
- 1/4 cup pine nuts or almonds, toasted
- 2 garlic cloves, peeled
- 1/2 cup grated Pecorino or Parmesan cheese
- 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil, plus more as needed
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Optional Variations
- Red pepper flakes or fresh chili, to add a spicy kick
- 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast (for vegan version, replace cheese)
- Toasted sunflower seeds (nut-free alternative to pine nuts/almonds)
- Roasted cherry tomatoes instead of fresh tomatoes (for smoky flavor)
- Fresh oregano or mint leaves mixed with basil (herb variation)
Instructions
- Prepare the Tomatoes: Wash and roughly chop the fresh plum tomatoes. For a smoother pesto, remove the seeds if desired; otherwise, keep them for extra richness. Place the tomatoes into a food processor or blender.
- Add Herbs and Nuts: Add fresh basil leaves and your choice of toasted pine nuts or almonds to the food processor. These ingredients provide the herbal freshness and nutty undertones that define the pesto.
- Add Garlic and Cheese: Peel and add the garlic cloves, followed by a generous handful of grated Pecorino or Parmesan cheese, which balances the flavors with saltiness and creaminess.
- Blend and Emulsify: Pulse the mixture while slowly drizzling in the extra virgin olive oil until a luscious, spreadable consistency is reached. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Taste and Adjust: Taste your Sicilian Tomato Pesto and adjust the texture or seasoning if needed by adding more olive oil for creaminess or a pinch more salt to enhance brightness. Your pesto is now ready to enjoy.
Notes
- Choose vine-ripened or ripe plum tomatoes for best natural sweetness and color.
- Lightly toast pine nuts or almonds before blending to deepen their flavor.
- Use only fresh basil leaves for the authentic herbaceous aroma.
- Drizzle olive oil gradually while blending to achieve a smooth, emulsified texture.
- Adjust pesto consistency by using less oil for thicker pesto or adding a splash of water for thinner texture.
- Store leftover pesto in an airtight container refrigerated for up to 3 days; cover with a thin layer of olive oil to prevent discoloration.
- Freeze pesto in ice cube trays for up to 3 months; thaw in the fridge overnight before use.
- Use pesto cold or gently warm it, avoiding overheating to preserve fresh flavors.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: No-cook
- Cuisine: Sicilian, Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons (about 30g)
- Calories: 100
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
Keywords: Sicilian Tomato Pesto, Tomato Pesto, Italian Pesto, Fresh Pesto Sauce, Gluten-Free Sauce, Easy Pesto Recipe