Ingredients
DRY TOMATOES
50 gr
FRESH BASIL
1 tuft
BLANCHED ALMONDS
20 gr
GRATED PARMESAN CHEESE
50 gr
EXTRA VIRGIN OLIVE OIL
4 tbsp
GARLIC
1 clove
Dried tomato pesto can be considered the quintessence of Mediterranean cuisine, particularly of Southern Italy. A tasty condiment, quick and simple to make, because it is prepared raw. Ideal for the summer season, the long preparations of classic sauces are avoided, but without sacrificing taste. For an optimal result, choose dried tomatoes in oil, which are softer and less acidic. If you use dried sun-dried tomatoes, let them soak for a couple of hours before making the pesto. Add almonds, cheese, garlic and basil, blend everything and you will get a delicious and fragrant red pesto. Be careful, however, not to confuse it with Sicilian pesto, which is traditionally prepared with fresh copper tomatoes combined with ricotta and parmesan.

Dried tomato pesto is excellent for seasoning a good plate of spaghetti, rigatoni or for spreading on bruschetta, as a quick appetizer. Toast a slice of Apulian or homemade bread and fill with pesto and stracchino, or with Apulian burrata. Try the typical combinations of Sicilian gastronomy, such as dried tomatoes and anchovies, dried tomatoes and tuna, or pistachios. It is also very tasty as a dressing for vegetable salads, spelled and barley salads. The important thing is to always choose fresh ingredients.

Find out how to make it by following the step-by-step procedure and advice. If you liked this recipe, also try the Trapanese pesto.

How to prepare dried tomato pesto
Step 1
Soak the dried tomatoes in water for two hours 1.

Step 2
Rinse the basil and let it dry on absorbent kitchen paper 2.

Step 3
Arrange basil, drained tomatoes, almonds and garlic in a bowl 3.

Step 4
Blend until you have a grainy consistency 4.

Step 5
Add the parmesan 5.

Step 6
Pour the oil 6.

Step 7
Blend again 7.

Step 8
At the end you will have to obtain a fairly homogeneous but still grainy pesto 8.

Step 9
Transfer to 9 jars and close with a lid. Use pesto to season pasta or bruschetta.