Sun Dried Tomato Pesto
Sun dried tomato pesto is a delicious twist on the traditional basil pesto that we all know and love. This vibrant and flavorful sauce is perfect for adding a burst of Mediterranean flair to your dishes. Whether you’re tossing it with pasta, spreading it on sandwiches, or using it as a dip, this sun dried tomato pesto is sure to impress. Let’s dive into the world of flavors and aromas that this pesto brings to your kitchen!
What You’ll Love About This Recipe
This sun dried tomato pesto is incredibly versatile and packed with flavor. Here’s why you’ll love it:
– Rich Flavor: The combination of sun dried tomatoes, garlic, and parmesan creates a rich and savory experience that elevates any dish.
– Quick & Easy: With just a few simple ingredients and a quick blend, you can have this pesto ready in no time.
– Customizable: This recipe allows for plenty of variations, ensuring that you can make it your own.
– Great for Meal Prep: Make a big batch and store it for future meals, adding convenience to your cooking routine.
Ingredient Rundown
To whip up this delectable sun dried tomato pesto, you will need the following ingredients:
- 3/4 cup sun dried tomatoes packed in olive oil: These tomatoes add a sweet and tangy flavor, while the olive oil contributes richness.
- 1/3 cup pine nuts: These nuts add a creamy texture and a subtle nuttiness to the pesto.
- 2 cloves garlic: Fresh garlic gives the pesto a zesty kick that balances the sweetness of the tomatoes.
- 1/3 cup parmesan cheese: Grated parmesan adds a savory depth and enhances the overall flavor.
- 1/2 cup olive oil: This helps to blend the ingredients smoothly and adds a luscious consistency.
Cook’s Kit
Before you start making your sun dried tomato pesto, make sure you have the following tools on hand:
- Food Processor: Essential for blending all the ingredients into a smooth pesto.
- Measuring Cups: Accurate measurements are key to achieving the perfect flavor balance.
- Spatula: Useful for scraping down the sides of the processor to ensure everything gets blended evenly.
- Storage Container: A jar or airtight container for storing your pesto once it’s ready.
Sun Dried Tomato Pesto in Steps
Follow these simple steps to create your own sun dried tomato pesto from scratch.
Step 1: Gather Ingredients
Begin by gathering all your ingredients in one place. This makes the process smoother and more enjoyable.
Step 2: Prepare the Food Processor
Set up your food processor and ensure it’s clean and ready for use.
Step 3: Add the Sun Dried Tomatoes
Place the sun dried tomatoes, along with any olive oil they are packed in, into the food processor. This oil adds extra flavor and helps with blending.
Step 4: Add Pine Nuts and Garlic
Next, add the pine nuts and garlic cloves to the processor. These ingredients will contribute to the texture and flavor of the pesto.
Step 5: Blend the Mixture
Pulse the mixture a few times until it starts to break down. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure everything is evenly mixed.
Step 6: Incorporate Parmesan Cheese
Add the grated parmesan cheese to the mixture and blend again until incorporated. The cheese will add creaminess and depth to the pesto.
Step 7: Drizzle in Olive Oil
With the food processor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the pesto reaches your desired consistency. You may need to adjust the amount of oil depending on how thick or thin you prefer the pesto.
Step 8: Taste and Adjust
Give your pesto a taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. You can add a pinch of salt or a squeeze of lemon juice to enhance the flavors.
Step 9: Store or Serve
Transfer the pesto to a storage container or serve it immediately. If storing, make sure to cover the surface with a thin layer of olive oil to prevent browning.
Ingredient Flex Options
Feel free to customize your sun dried tomato pesto with the following options:
- Nuts: Swap pine nuts for walnuts or cashews for a different flavor profile.
- Cheese: Try using pecorino or nutritional yeast for a dairy-free version.
- Herbs: Add a handful of fresh basil or parsley for an herby twist.
- Spice: For a kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
Chef’s Notes
- Make sure to use high-quality sun dried tomatoes for the best flavor.
- If you prefer a chunkier pesto, pulse the ingredients less for a coarser texture.
- This pesto is also delicious as a topping for Caprese Salad or drizzled over grilled vegetables.
- Feel free to experiment with different oils, like avocado oil, for a unique twist.
Prep Ahead & Store
This sun dried tomato pesto can be made ahead of time and stored for future use. Here are some tips:
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
- You can also freeze the pesto in ice cube trays for easy portioning. Once frozen, transfer the cubes to a freezer bag for longer storage.
- To refresh the flavor after freezing, simply stir in a bit of fresh olive oil before using.
Popular Questions
Can I use dried sun dried tomatoes instead of those packed in oil?
Yes, you can use dried sun dried tomatoes, but you will need to rehydrate them in warm water for about 30 minutes before using them in the pesto.
What can I use sun dried tomato pesto for?
This pesto is incredibly versatile! Use it as a pasta sauce, spread it on sandwiches like our Grilled Chicken Pesto Subs, or as a dip for crackers and veggies.
How do I adjust the consistency of the pesto?
If your pesto is too thick, simply add more olive oil until you reach your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, you can add more parmesan cheese or nuts to thicken it up.
Can I make this pesto vegan?
Yes! Simply omit the parmesan cheese or replace it with nutritional yeast for a vegan version of this sun dried tomato pesto.
Keep Cooking
- Explore more delicious recipes like Traeger Smoked Corn On The Cob With Pesto for a delightful side dish.
- Try making a fresh pasta dish with this pesto for a quick weeknight dinner.
- Pair your pesto with a refreshing salad for a light and satisfying meal.
The Last Word
Sun dried tomato pesto is not just a sauce; it’s a flavor experience that can elevate your meals and impress your guests. Its rich taste, combined with the ease of preparation, makes it a staple in any kitchen. Whether you’re slathering it on your favorite sandwich, tossing it with pasta, or using it as a dip, this pesto is sure to become your new go-to recipe. Enjoy the delightful burst of flavors and the satisfying feeling of creating something delicious from scratch!
Sun Dried Tomato Pesto
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Step 1: Gather Ingredients. Begin by gathering all your ingredients in one place. This makes the process smoother and more enjoyable.
- Step 2: Prepare the Food Processor. Set up your food processor and ensure it’s clean and ready for use.
- Step 3: Add the Sun Dried Tomatoes. Place the sun dried tomatoes, along with any olive oil they are packed in, into the food processor.
- Step 4: Add Pine Nuts and Garlic. Next, add the pine nuts and garlic cloves to the processor.
- Step 5: Blend the Mixture. Pulse the mixture a few times until it starts to break down. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
- Step 6: Incorporate Parmesan Cheese. Add the grated parmesan cheese to the mixture and blend again until incorporated.
- Step 7: Drizzle in Olive Oil. With the food processor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the pesto reaches your desired consistency.
- Step 8: Taste and Adjust. Give your pesto a taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
- Step 9: Store or Serve. Transfer the pesto to a storage container or serve it immediately.
Notes
- Use high-quality sun dried tomatoes for the best flavor.
- If you prefer a chunkier pesto, pulse the ingredients less.
- This pesto is great on Caprese Salad or drizzled over grilled vegetables.
