How to Prepare Pesto alla Trapanese with Almonds at Home
Pesto alla Trapanese, or Sicilian-style pesto, is a true celebration of the culinary tradition of southern Italy. This creamy and flavorful condiment, made with ripe tomatoes, almonds and basil, is a great alternative to the more famous Genovese pesto. Easy to prepare and incredibly versatile, it is a recipe that every cooking enthusiast should know!
If you want to find out all about this typical Sicilian dish, from its origins to its ingredients to the best ways to serve it, read on. We'll guide you step by step through the preparation of an authentic Trapanese pesto that will make you and your family fall in love.
The History and Origin of this Sicilian Recipe.
Pesto alla Trapanese is named after. Trapani, a picturesque coastal town in western Sicily. This recipe originated as a local variation of Genoese pesto, when Ligurian sailors docked in the port of Trapani and exchanged recipes with local cooks. The Sicilians adapted the recipe using ingredients available in their land. Instead of pine nuts they used almonds, and to the traditional basil they added juicy Sicilian tomatoes, thus creating a totally unique and tasty version.
Today, Trapanese pesto remains a flagship of Sicilian cuisine and a symbol of how gastronomy can be influenced and enriched by the meeting of cultures.
The Ingredients for Pesto alla Trapanese
The ingredients for this recipe are fresh simplicity in a dish. Below we outline what you need and why each element is crucial.
- Ripe tomatoes
They are the heart of the recipe, giving the pesto a natural sweetness and creamy texture.
- Almonds
Typical of Sicily, they add crunch and a delicate nutty flavor.
- Fresh basil
A key aromatic herb that lends freshness and fragrance to pesto.
- Garlic
For a pungent touch that enhances the other flavors.
- Extra virgin olive oil
The perfect binder that blends all ingredients, giving a velvety texture.
- Grated Pecorino or Parmesan cheese
For a savory, full-bodied flavor (optional, but recommended).
- Salt and pepper
To adjust and balance the flavors.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Pesto alla Trapanese
Here's how to make your own Trapanese pesto at home in a few easy steps.
1. Prepare the Ingredients
- Blanch 2-3 ripe tomatoes for about 30 seconds in hot water, then remove the skin and seeds. Cut them into pieces.
- Lightly toast 50 g almonds in a frying pan to bring out their flavor. Let them cool.
2. Blend Base and Almonds
- In a blender, add the almonds, a clove of garlic, and a pinch of salt. Blend until a grainy consistency is achieved.
3. Add the Tomatoes and Basil
- Add the tomatoes and a generous handful of fresh basil leaves. Resume blending.
4. Top with Oil and Cheese
- Slowly pour in 50 ml of extra virgin olive oil while the blender is running. Finally, add 30 g of grated pecorino or parmesan cheese and mix well.
5. Adjust the Flavors
- Taste the pesto and adjust salt and pepper to taste. Your Trapanese-style pesto is ready to serve!
Tips and Variations
Want to customize your pesto? Here are some ideas:
- Almond alternatives: Replace almonds with pine nuts or walnuts for a variation in flavor.
- Dried tomatoes: Add some sun-dried tomatoes for a more intense and concentrated flavor.
- Vegan: Eliminate the cheese for a vegan version and add a pinch of nutritional yeast if you want a touch of savoriness.
- Consistency: Want a smoother pesto? Blend it longer. Prefer a rustic texture? Keep the mix grainier.
How to Serve Pesto alla Trapanese
Pesto alla Trapanese is incredibly versatile. Here are some ways to enjoy it:
- With pasta
Try it with busiate, spaghetti or linguine for a traditional Sicilian dish.
- On crostini
Spread it on slices of toasted bread for a simple but irresistible appetizer.
- With grilled fish or meat
Use it as a sauce or marinade to add a fresh twist to your main dishes.
- With vegetables
Mix it with grilled zucchini or eggplant for a healthy and flavorful side dish.
Sicilian-style pesto: a tasty and quick alternative!
A tasty alternative to Trapanese pesto is the Sicilian-style pesto, available at Sicilus. Made with fresh basil, creamy ricotta and high-quality almonds, this condiment is perfect for enriching your dishes with the authentic flavors of Sicily. Ideal for dressing pasta or for spreading on crostini, Sicilian-style pesto offers a delicate and genuine touch that will win over the whole family
To make the most of the sicilian-style pesto, you can try it in different preparations that will enhance its authentic flavors. Here are some serving ideas and pairings:
- With pasta: Try it with spaghetti, penne or trofie for a simple but flavorful first course. For an extra touch, add a sprinkling of grated Parmesan cheese and a few leaves of fresh basil.
- Gourmet Crostini: Spread Sicilian-style pesto on slices of toasted bread and top with diced cherry tomatoes and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. This is a perfect idea for an appetizer or aperitif.
- White meats or fish: Use pesto as an accompanying sauce to flavor white meats such as chicken and turkey or fish such as sea bass or salmon.
- Pizza with a unique taste: Use it in place of classic tomato sauce or as a topping on a white pizza with mozzarella and fresh vegetables.
- Baked Potatoes: Mix pesto with sliced potatoes before baking them in the oven. You'll get a flavored side dish that everyone will love.
Whatever the occasion, Sicilian-style pesto will always be a versatile and tasty ally in the kitchen, capable of turning any dish into a unique experience for family and friends!
Share Your Creations
Have you tried our recipe? Share photos of your creations with the hashtag #PestoAllaTrapanese and tag us on social media. We can't wait to see how you made this classic Sicilian recipe your own!
Enjoy your meal and have fun in the kitchen!
