Homemade sun-dried tomato pesto is a versatile, flavor-packed sauce that’s infinitely better than store-bought varieties. Made with quality ingredients like sun-dried tomatoes, fresh basil, parmesan cheese, and premium olive oil, this pesto is guaranteed to elevate any dish.
At De Rustica, we pride ourselves on using the finest ingredients from our estate, like our renowned Estate Intense Olive Oil, to ensure your pesto bursts with flavor and quality.
Why Homemade Tomato Pesto is Better
Store-bought pestos often include preservatives and lack freshness, affecting their taste and nutritional value. Homemade tomato pesto, however, allows you to control the ingredients, ensuring a fresh, authentic flavor. Plus, you can adjust the ingredients to perfectly suit your taste.
Ingredients for Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto
1 1/4 cups sun-dried tomatoes packed in olive oil, do not drain
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup fresh basil leaves, packed
1 cup parmesan cheese, freshly grated
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/4 cup De Rustica Estate Intense Olive Oil (plus additional as needed)
How to Make Homemade Tomato Pesto
Creating your own tomato pesto at home is quick, simple, and rewarding. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Prepare Your Food Processor: Layer ingredients in your food processor in this order—fresh basil leaves, minced garlic, sun-dried tomatoes along with the oil from the jar, salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
- Blend Ingredients: Pulse ingredients until you achieve your desired pesto consistency. Authentic pesto isn’t overly smooth, so avoid over-processing to maintain a rustic texture.
- Add Parmesan Cheese: After blending, remove the lid and add the freshly grated parmesan cheese. Pulse again briefly, just enough to mix the cheese throughout.
- Adjust Consistency: Check your pesto consistency. If you prefer a wetter pesto, slowly drizzle in additional De Rustica Estate Intense Olive Oil, one tablespoon at a time, blending gently until you reach your preferred texture.
Storing Your Homemade Tomato Pesto
Transfer your pesto into clean, airtight mason jars and store it in the refrigerator. Properly stored, homemade tomato pesto lasts around 7-10 days. For longer storage, pesto can also be frozen in ice cube trays and thawed when needed.
Delicious Ways to Use Tomato Pesto
Homemade tomato pesto is versatile and can elevate numerous dishes:
Pasta Sauce: Simply toss with freshly cooked pasta.
Sandwich Spread: Spread generously on sandwiches and paninis.
Pizza Base: Substitute traditional pizza sauce with flavorful tomato pesto.
Salad Dressing: Mix with additional olive oil and lemon juice for a quick salad dressing.
Grilled Meats and Veggies: Brush onto grilled chicken, fish, or vegetables for added flavor.
Health Benefits of Tomato Pesto
Tomato pesto isn’t just delicious; it also offers several health benefits:
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants like lycopene (learn more about lycopene on Wikipedia).
Basil: Packed with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties.
Olive Oil: Contains healthy fats beneficial for heart health and reducing inflammation.
Garlic: Known for boosting immunity and reducing blood pressure.
Why De Rustica Estate Intense Olive Oil?
Quality olive oil significantly impacts pesto’s flavor. De Rustica Estate Intense Olive Oil, produced on our farm, offers bold flavors and robust aromas, complementing the sweetness of sun-dried tomatoes and freshness of basil. Explore our olive oil collection to learn more.
Visit De Rustica
Interested in discovering more culinary inspiration? Visit De Rustica Estate in Klein Karoo. Explore our olive orchards, enjoy immersive tasting tours, or stay overnight in our luxurious farmhouse or stables accommodations.
Experience the perfect blend of tradition, taste, and tranquility at De Rustica.
