Sicilian Almond Tomato Pesto Recipe
A vibrant and flavorful Sicilian Almond Tomato Pesto that combines toasted almonds, fresh cherry tomatoes, garlic, basil, and a hint of red chili flakes. This easy-to-make pasta dish is perfect for a quick meal, served hot or at room temperature with a luscious olive oil finish.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Sicilian, Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Pasta
- 250 grams (9 oz) pasta of choice
Pesto
- 100 grams (3.5 oz) raw almonds
- 1 clove garlic
- ½ teaspoon red chili flakes
- 20 grams (¾ oz) fresh basil (small bunch)
- 450 grams (16 oz) cherry tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 120 ml (½ cup) olive oil
- Pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Reserve some of the pasta cooking water in case you need it later to loosen the sauce.
- Toast the almonds: Place the raw almonds in a pan over medium heat. Stir regularly to toast them evenly and prevent burning until they are fragrant and slightly golden.
- Prepare the pesto mixture: Transfer the toasted almonds to a food processor along with the garlic clove and red chili flakes. Pulse until the mixture breaks down into chunky crumbs. Add the fresh basil, cherry tomatoes, and salt, then pulse a few more times to chop and combine the tomatoes without pureeing the mixture.
- Combine with olive oil: Transfer the almond tomato mixture to a bowl and stir in the olive oil until fully combined, creating a rustic pesto texture.
- Mix with pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the pesto and toss well to coat. If the mixture feels dry, add some of the reserved pasta cooking water a little at a time to achieve desired consistency.
- Season and serve: Add freshly ground pepper to taste. Serve the pasta hot or at room temperature for a versatile and delicious meal.
Notes
- Reserve pasta cooking water to adjust the pesto sauce consistency as needed.
- Toasting almonds enhances their flavor but watch carefully to avoid burning.
- This dish can be served warm or at room temperature, perfect for make-ahead meals or picnics.
- Substitute almonds with pine nuts or walnuts if desired, though flavor will vary.
- Adjust chili flakes to taste for more or less heat.
Find it online: https://miracooking.com/sicilian-almond-tomato-pesto-recipe/
