Sicilian pesto

Directly from beautiful, sunny Sicily, here is a fabulous recipe for pesto with almonds, tomatoes, basil, garlic, olive oil and pecorino cheese. All the aromas of the Mediterranean on one plate ... aromas and flavours that are perfect for combining with fresh, homemade pasta or, if you like, to spread on some toasted bread to make bruschetta, the result will be 10/10 and will leave your guests open-mouthed in awe! Sicilian pesto is a variation on the classic pesto sauce, replacing the pine nuts with almonds and adding tomatoes, thus adapting to the traditions and produce of the Sicilian region. To make this fabulous pesto, just follow this delicious recipe and within minutes you'll have a wonderful sauce to go with your pasta, and make a great impression to boot! Read the visual recipe from our chef carefully and everything will go without a hitch.

Finely crush the almonds and garlic together in a mortar. Then add the basil and a drizzle of olive oil and pound together well. Add the grated cheese and mix in well, then add the tomatoes. Salt lightly and emulsify with plenty of oil.

Sicilian Pesto: A Mediterranean-Flavored Sauce

Sicilian pesto is a typical Mediterranean condiment, appreciated for its freshness and rich flavor made from genuine ingredients. Unlike the more famous Genoese pesto, Sicilian pesto has a base of tomatoes and almonds, giving it a sweeter and slightly creamy character. Perfect for seasoning any type of pasta, this pesto lends itself to numerous variations, offering great versatility in the kitchen. Let’s discover how to prepare it, along with some of its most popular versions, like the original Sicilian pesto recipe, or lighter variations like Sicilian pesto without ricotta.

The Original Sicilian Pesto Recipe

The original Sicilian pesto recipe has ancient, traditional roots, hailing from the Sicilian countryside where the ingredients are carefully selected. The ingredients of Sicilian pesto vary slightly depending on the region.

Preparing the original Sicilian pesto recipe is simple: just blend all the ingredients together until smooth and creamy. This recipe offers an interesting alternative to traditional pesto, thanks to the addition of sun-dried tomatoes, which give an intense and slightly sweet flavor. The Sicilian pesto with sun-dried tomatoes is, in fact, one of the most beloved versions throughout Italy.

Variations of Sicilian Pesto

Eggplant Sicilian Pesto

One of the most appreciated variations is eggplant Sicilian pesto, which includes roasted eggplant, a key ingredient in Sicilian cuisine. This type of pesto is perfect for pasta, but can also be used as a sauce for grilled meat or vegetables. The robust flavor of the eggplant blends perfectly with almonds and tomatoes, creating a tasty and harmonious mix.

Sicilian Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto

Sicilian sun-dried tomato pesto is another popular version, loved for its intensity. This pesto is made primarily with sun-dried tomatoes, extra virgin olive oil, almonds, and, in some versions, basil or oregano. It's an ideal condiment for those who enjoy bold flavors, perfect for seasoning short pasta like casarecce with Sicilian pesto. The sun-dried tomatoes provide a robust texture and a taste that echoes the authentic flavors of the Mediterranean.

Sicilian Pesto with Almonds or Walnuts

Another interesting variation is Sicilian pesto with almonds, where almonds play a starring role, adding crunch and a delicate flavor. There's also a version with walnuts, richer and more nutritious, which replaces the almonds for a stronger taste. The choice between almonds and walnuts depends on personal preference, but both versions offer a delicious alternative.

How to Make Sicilian Pesto Without Ricotta

For those seeking a lighter version, Sicilian pesto without ricotta is the ideal solution. In this variation, the ricotta salata is omitted, while still keeping the main ingredients like tomatoes, almonds, and extra virgin olive oil. This type of pesto is perfect for those who want a lighter, lower-calorie condiment, without sacrificing the authentic Sicilian flavor.

Another interesting version is Sicilian pesto with pistachios, where the almonds are replaced by high-quality pistachios, giving the sauce a unique and original flavor. This pesto pairs beautifully with long pasta like linguine with Sicilian pesto, enhancing the flavor of every bite.

How to Use Sicilian Pesto in Cooking

Sicilian pesto is incredibly versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes. Pasta with Sicilian pesto is one of the most loved first courses, thanks to the creamy pesto that blends perfectly with the pasta. Sicilian pesto pasta can be served hot or cold, making this dish ideal for summer months, such as cold pasta with Sicilian pesto.

For those with a kitchen robot, there’s the Sicilian pesto Thermomix version, which makes the preparation quick and easy. The Sicilian red pesto Thermomix is a fast and tasty alternative for those who want to prepare this dish without much effort.

In stores, you can also find ready-made versions like Barilla Sicilian pesto or Buitoni Sicilian pesto, allowing you to enjoy this authentic flavor without having to make it from scratch. While these store-bought options are convenient, homemade pesto remains the best choice for a full culinary experience.

Tips for a Perfect Pesto

To achieve a truly authentic Sicilian pesto, it’s essential to choose high-quality ingredients. The sun-dried tomatoes should be well-preserved and, if possible, sourced from Sicily, just like the almonds. Extra virgin olive oil plays a key role in the recipe, as it adds smoothness and intensity to the sauce.

Another tip is to lightly toast the almonds before blending them with the other ingredients. This small step enhances the flavor of the almonds and makes the pesto even more flavorful. If you prefer a creamier pesto, you can add a spoonful of ricotta or, alternatively, some of the pasta cooking water to better bind the sauce.

Lastly, Sicilian pesto is perfect for preserving. You can make large batches and freeze it in small jars, ready to be used when needed. Just make sure to cover the pesto with a layer of oil before sealing the jars, to prevent oxidation and maintain its fresh flavor.

In conclusion, Sicilian pesto is a condiment that captures all the flavors and scents of Sicily. Easy to prepare, versatile, and incredibly tasty, it’s the perfect choice for those who want to bring a dish full of tradition and simplicity to the table.