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Pesto alla Trapanese (Sicilian Pesto with Tomatoes and Almonds)
Pesto alla Trapanese is a traditional Sicilian pesto from the city of Trapani, located on the western coast of Sicily. As the name suggests, it’s a regional specialty that reflects the rich flavors of the Mediterranean.Pesto alla Trapanese is most commonly served with pasta. The classic pairing is with Busiate trapanesi, a spiral-shaped pasta traditionally rolled around a thin rod. But it’s also fantastic with other pasta types, especially spaghetti or short pasta.
Ingredients
- 250 g ripe cherry tomatoes - ~9 oz
- 100 g blanched almonds - 3.5 oz
- 40 g fresh basil leaves - 1.4 oz
- 100 g grated pecorino cheese - 1 cup
- 30 g extra virgin olive oil - 2 tablespoons
- 1 garlic clove
- salt - to taste
Instructions
- To make an authentic pesto alla trapanese, start by preparing the tomatoes. Wash the ripe cherry tomatoes thoroughly, then cut them into wedges. Remove the seeds and any excess liquid to avoid watering down the pesto. Chop the tomatoes into small pieces and set them aside.
- Place the blanched almonds in a food processor or blender. Pulse until they are finely chopped but still slightly coarse. Be careful not to over-blend — the almonds should have a grainy texture, not turn into almond flour.
- Now add the chopped tomatoes, fresh basil leaves, a pinch of fine salt, and a whole peeled garlic clove to the blender. Blend again briefly until you get a chunky and aromatic mixture. The texture should be rustic, not creamy.
- Transfer the mixture to a bowl. Stir in the grated Pecorino cheese and extra virgin olive oil. Mix everything thoroughly to combine.
- Your homemade Sicilian tomato and almond pesto is ready! Use it immediately to dress spaghetti, or spread it on toasted bread for a delicious appetizer.
Nutrition
Serving: 100gCalories: 325kcalCarbohydrates: 9gProtein: 14gFat: 28gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 16gTrans Fat: 0.01gCholesterol: 26mgSodium: 309mgPotassium: 367mgFiber: 3gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 1154IUVitamin C: 11mgCalcium: 350mgIron: 2mg
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