Pasta & rice main dishes

Spaghetti with pesto Trapani-style

⏱ 10 min🍳 10 min👤 3 pp★☆☆☆☆

Pesto Trapani-style is a raw sauce for adding to different types of pasta: it’s ideal during the summer months when the tomatoes are red and ripe and the basil is fresh. There are also some additional ingredients typical of Sicily and Trapani: almonds and pecorino sheep’s cheese, which should be strictly DOP (Protected Designated of Origin) and Sicilian.

Ingredients

Nutritional values 520 kcal / serving

Protein
16g
Carbohydrates
72g
Fat
18g
Fiber
3g

* approximate values per serving

Information
10 minutes Total time
10 minutes Active time
Serves 3 persons
★☆☆☆☆ Easy

Preparation

Blanch the tomatoes in boiling water for ten seconds, then drain and peel. Cut them into strips and remove the seeds. Take a kitchen mixer, a blender or food processor (such as Thermomix) and add the tomatoes, the cleaned basil leaves, almonds and garlic. Chop everything together well. Transfer everything to a bowl, add oil, salt and the pecorino cheese. Mix well. Add the pesto to pasta, spaghetti in our case, but you can also use other shapes.

Tips
Don’t forget when you make this recipe to peel both the tomatoes and the almonds well. The basil must be clean, and it really is necessary to clean it. Also, to give creaminess to the sauce and the pasta, add a tablespoon of water from the pasta cooking water, nice and salty and rich in starch.
Trivia
Tradition has it that this pesto is born in the port of Trapani, where Genoese ships were docked. Through cookery lessons from the Genoese, not least those relating to pesto, the Trapani people devised a wholly Sicilian version with the addition of local ingredients, such as fresh tomatoes, Sicilian pecorino sheep’s cheese, and top quality almonds. Thus was born the Trapani version of the classic pesto.

Step by step

Ingredients
Ingredients
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Additional information

Spaghetti with Trapanese Pesto and Sun-Dried Tomatoes

An interesting variant of spaghetti with Trapanese pesto includes the addition of sun-dried tomatoes, which give an intense and characteristic flavor to the dish. To prepare this version, follow the basic recipe, but replace part of the fresh tomatoes with rehydrated sun-dried tomatoes. Sun-dried tomatoes, in addition to being rich in flavor, provide a heartier texture to the pesto. To rehydrate them, soak them in hot water for about 30 minutes, then drain and proceed with blending them with the other ingredients. This variant is perfect for those who want a dish with a more pronounced and aromatic taste, ideal for summer dinners or to surprise guests with a touch of originality.

Spaghetti alla Trapanese with Sicilian Pesto

The preparation of spaghetti alla Trapanese can vary depending on local traditions. In particular, the Sicilian version uses fresh and genuine ingredients, such as Pachino tomatoes and local basil. The traditional recipe focuses on the use of toasted almonds, which add a unique flavor to the pesto. For an authentic touch, you can also use Sicilian pecorino, which further enriches the dish. This variant not only celebrates the flavors of Sicily but also offers a culinary experience that reflects the gastronomic culture of the island, where the freshness of the ingredients is essential for achieving a high-quality dish.

Light Spaghetti with Trapanese Pesto

For those looking for a lighter preparation of spaghetti with Trapanese pesto, it is possible to create a light version by substituting some ingredients. For example, you can reduce the amount of extra virgin olive oil and opt for a lean pecorino, while still maintaining the characteristic flavor of the dish. Another trick is to add more basil and fresh tomatoes, which not only enrich the pesto but also lower its caloric content. Additionally, you can use whole wheat spaghetti, which increases the feeling of fullness and provides beneficial fiber for health. This light variant allows you to enjoy a traditional dish without giving up a healthy lifestyle.

Nutritional Benefits of Spaghetti with Trapanese Pesto

Spaghetti with Trapanese pesto is a dish rich in healthy ingredients. Tomatoes, for example, are an important source of lycopene, an antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage by free radicals. Basil is known for its anti-inflammatory and digestive properties, while almonds provide good fats and proteins. Additionally, pecorino provides calcium and vitamin B12. A serving of spaghetti with Trapanese pesto contains on average about 450 calories, depending on the proportions of the ingredients used. This dish is therefore not only delicious but also nutritious, making it ideal for a balanced meal.

Can Spaghetti with Trapanese Pesto be Stored?

Spaghetti with Trapanese pesto can be stored, but it is important to do so correctly to maintain freshness and flavor. If you have leftovers, you can place them in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. However, it is advisable not to mix the pesto with the pasta before storage, to avoid the pasta absorbing moisture and becoming mushy. If you want to extend the shelf life, you can also freeze the pesto separately in portions, using containers or food bags. This way, you will always have a fresh condiment for your spaghetti, ready to use in just a few minutes.