I recently learned to make pesto alla trapanese. It is ridiculously simple, I don’t know why I waited so long! Now, I make it all the time. The almondy taste and crunchiness of the Romana almonds elevate this pasta to a different elegant exotic planet. Also, the ingredients of the sauce are all raw, therefore, it’s extra good for you.
Ingredients
- Pasta (Sedani, Linguine, or Gemelli), 1 bag (500g/1.1 lb)
- Piennolo tomatoes, 1 cup (about 1/2 jar)
- Fresh basil (60 gr/2.1 oz)
- Sicilian unpeeled almonds (100 gr/3.5 oz)
- Garlic, 1 clove
- Extra virgin olive oil, 1/2 cup
- Sea salt, 1 teaspoon
- Chili peppers, 1/2 teaspoon (or to taste)
- Freshly grated cheese such as Ricotta Salata or Pecorino, 1/2 cup
Preparation
1. While the pasta is cooking, put all the remaining ingredients, except the cheese, in a food processor or a mortar. Grind well, but not too much. I like to add some of the almonds at the very end of grinding, to allow for bigger pieces.
2. Drain the pasta al dente. Add the sauce to the pasta and mix well.
3. If you are using cheese, add the cheese and mix. Serve immediately.
This sounds delicious. Do you drain the tomatoes and about how much is a “big bunch” of basil? Thx
Ciao Lori! Great questions. Yes, drain the tomatoes. A lot of basil. A small bouquet!