Ricette di Sicilia
Cibo, cultura e tradizioni siciliane
Pasta with Almond Pesto: A Taste of Sicilian Sunshine
Discover this light and flavoursome almond pesto pasta – a simple, satisfying dish ready in just about half an hour!
📖 What is it
Discover this light and flavoursome almond pesto pasta – a simple, satisfying dish ready in just about half an hour!
🛒 Ingredients
- ✓ 400g short pasta such as rigatoni or penne rigate
- ✓ 1kg ripe tomatoes
- ✓ 3 garlic cloves
- ✓ extra virgin olive oil
- ✓ 150g peeled and toasted almonds
- ✓ a bunch of fresh basil
- ✓ 70g grated Sicilian pecorino cheese
- ✓ salt
- ✓ black pepper
📊 Nutritional Information
Dive into the rich aromas of Sicily with this almond pesto pasta, a dish that honours Mediterranean tradition using fresh, wholesome ingredients. The crunchy almonds, fragrant basil, and local pecorino combine to create a burst of flavours that evoke warm summer days and convivial evenings typical of our beautiful island.
👨🍳 Preparation
- 1
Peel the tomatoes by plunging them briefly into hot water, then remove the seeds and chop into pieces.
- 2
Crush the almonds with a few basil leaves in a mortar and pestle.
- 3
Transfer the crushed almonds to a bowl, then pound the garlic, more basil, and a pinch of salt in the mortar until smooth.
- 4
In a large bowl, combine the chopped tomatoes with the garlic and basil mixture, stirring well.
- 5
Add the almond paste, a good drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, a sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper, and the grated pecorino. Adjust seasoning if needed and let the sauce rest for a couple of hours.
- 6
Cook the pasta until al dente, then toss it with the pesto in a hot pan to combine thoroughly.
- 7
Serve the almond pesto pasta warm, garnished with a couple of basil leaves.
💡 Tips and Variations
- •
For a bit of a kick, add a pinch of fresh or dried chilli to the pesto to bring out its character.
- •
If you prefer a creamier texture, stir in a little pasta cooking water when mixing the pesto.
- •
Try different pasta shapes like trofie or busiati for an even more authentic Sicilian experience.
- •
For a vegan twist, swap the pecorino for nutritional yeast or a cashew-based vegan cheese.
- •
The secret to a rich, aromatic pesto is lightly toasting the almonds before crushing to release their full flavour.
📦 Storage
- • Store the pesto in an airtight container in the fridge and use within 48 hours to keep it fresh and flavoursome.
- • For longer storage, portion the pesto and freeze it – it will keep well for up to a month.
- • When reheating the pasta, opt for a low oven (around 160°C) for about 10 minutes to preserve the pesto’s texture.
🍷 Pairing
Pair this dish with a Sicilian red like Nero d’Avola from Sciacca, served slightly chilled at 16–18°C, which beautifully balances the creamy pesto. Alternatively, a light Frappato or a Sicilian rosé offers a fresh, lively contrast. For something beyond the island, a young Chianti or a delicate Pinot Noir also make excellent companions.
Whipping up this almond pesto pasta is like bringing a slice of Sicily right to your table, bursting with authentic flavours and tradition. I warmly encourage you to give this recipe a go, share the joy of a truly wholesome meal with your loved ones, and celebrate the rich culinary heritage of our island through every delicious bite.
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