Sundried Tomato Pesto

Lunch | Italian

Prep time: 5 min Servings: 350

Pesto rosso is the Sicilian version of pesto, made with sundried tomatoes rather than fresh basil. The preserved tomatoes suited the drier southern climate where fresh basil wasn’t always available, and the result is a pesto with a deeper, more concentrated flavour than the green version. I use smoked almonds where you’d normally use pine nuts, which adds a subtle smokiness that works well with the sweetness of the tomatoes.

I made this originally to go on the porchetta ciabatta sandwich, but it’s a useful thing to have in the fridge. Spread on bruschetta, tossed through pasta, spooned over grilled chicken or lamb, used as a dip with bread. Makes 350ml from a single 270g jar of sundried tomatoes, which is enough to fill a decent-sized jar and last a couple of weeks.

Ingredient Notes

Sundried tomatoes in oil: The oil in the jar is part of the recipe, so don’t drain the tomatoes before adding them to the food processor. That tomato-infused oil goes straight into the pesto and contributes to both the flavour and the texture. A 270g jar is typically around 150-160g of drained tomatoes with the rest being oil. If your jar has a different weight, just use the whole thing and adjust the added olive oil at the end to get the consistency you want.

Smoked almonds: Smoked almonds replace the pine nuts you’d use in a traditional pesto. They add body and a subtle smokiness that pairs well with the concentrated sweetness of the sundried tomatoes. You’ll find them at most major supermarkets, usually near the nut section. If you can’t find smoked almonds, plain roasted almonds work fine and give a more neutral result. Toasted pine nuts are the most traditional substitute if you want to go that way.

Red wine vinegar: A tablespoon of red wine vinegar adds acidity that cuts through the richness of the oil and the natural sweetness of the tomatoes. Without it the pesto can taste a little flat and one-dimensional. White wine vinegar or a small squeeze of lemon juice can substitute if needed. Don’t skip the acid component entirely.

Equipment

Chopping board
Chef’s knife
Food processor
Spatula
Measuring jug
Sterilised jar (350ml)

Ingredients

270g jar sundried tomatoes, in oil
120g (¾ cup) smoked almonds
3 cloves garlic
½ tsp dried oregano
large pinch chilli flakes
40g (½ cup) grated parmesan cheese
1 tbsp red wine vinegar
60-80ml (¼ - ⅓ cup) olive oil
sea salt, to taste

Directions

Place the sundried tomatoes in their oil in a food processor. Add the almonds, garlic, oregano, chilli flakes, parmesan and vinegar. Process until well combined, then scrape down the sides.
With the motor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil, until you get the desired smoothness you like. Season with salt to taste.
Transfer to a sterilised jar and keep refrigerated for up to 2 weeks.

Recipe notes

Chef Tips

Use the oil from the jar first

When you add the sundried tomatoes to the food processor, pour all the oil from the jar in with them. That oil has been sitting with the tomatoes and is full of concentrated flavour. It forms the base of the pesto before you add any extra olive oil. Once the tomatoes and other ingredients are blended, add the extra olive oil gradually with the motor running until you reach the consistency you want. You may not need the full 80ml.

Taste before you season

Sundried tomatoes vary quite a bit in saltiness between brands, and the parmesan adds salt too. Before you add any sea salt at the end, taste the pesto and assess where it sits. You might need very little or none at all. The red wine vinegar also affects the balance, so add that first and let the processor run for a few seconds before tasting and adjusting salt.

Storage

Transfer to a sterilised jar and refrigerate for up to 2 weeks. After each use, smooth the surface of the pesto flat and pour a thin layer of olive oil on top before sealing the jar. This creates a barrier that prevents the surface from oxidising and drying out between uses. If you won't get through it in 2 weeks, it freezes well in small portions.

FAQs

Can I use pine nuts instead of almonds? Yes. Plain toasted pine nuts give a more traditional pesto rosso flavour and a slightly smoother texture. Toast them briefly in a dry pan over medium heat until lightly golden before using. Plain roasted almonds also work if you want to skip the smokiness of the smoked version.

Can I freeze it? Yes. Freeze in small portions for up to 3 months. Ice cube trays work well for this since you can pop out individual portions as needed. Defrost overnight in the fridge and give it a stir before using. The texture may change slightly but the flavour holds well.

Do I need to sterilise the jar? If you’re keeping it for the full 2 weeks, yes. Sterilise the jar by washing it in hot soapy water, rinsing well, then placing it in a 120°C (250°F) oven for 15 minutes. If you’re going to use it within 3-4 days, a clean jar straight from the dishwasher is fine.