This Sun-Dried Tomato Basil Pesto has robust flavors. The tomatoes add the rich quality while the walnuts give it depth and the light overtones of the basil ties it all together.
This is one of the go-to pestos that I make often to bring to parties, potlucks or picnics. This pesto is very versatile and it is a great way to spice up your meals. It can be added to a variety of dishes; like tossed in pasta, slathered on toast, mixed into soups spread on a sandwich or dip some french bread into it.
I love to pair this pesto with a nice light Pinot Noir, one preferably from Oregon. For a white, I would pair it with a Sauvignon Blanc, preferably from the Marlborough region of New Zealand.
Sundried Tomato Basil Pesto - CaliZona
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 Cups Sun-Dried Tomatoes Oven-Dried Tomatoes or jarred, drain the oil)
- 1 Cup Fresh Basil
- 1 Cup Raw Walnuts
- 1 Cup Aged Asiago Cheese – finely shredded
- 1 1/4 Cups Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 2 Cloves Garlic
- 2 Tablespoons Lemon Juice - fresh squeezed
- 1 Teaspoon Sea Salt or to Taste
Instructions
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Some sundried tomatoes need to be soaked. Soak them in boiling water.
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Set aside and let them plump up for about 30 minutes.
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Dry them well.
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Add the tomatoes and garlic into a food processor or blender and turn on until they are minced up.
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Add all the other ingredients and blend everything while slowly adding the olive oil.
Health benefits:
Sun-Dried Tomatoes are very high in antioxidants; just one cup has 23 percent of the recommended daily intake of vitamin C and 16 percent of vitamin A. The Vitamin C in dried tomatoes helps your body absorb the high iron content as well. They are high in potassium which helps prevent and lower high blood pressure. These tomatoes are very high in dietary fiber compared to raw tomatoes.
Fresh Basil has anti-aging, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. The herb contains exceptionally high levels of beta-carotene and vitamin A and is rich in zeaxanthin an antioxidant that helps protect age-related macular disease. It has a good amount of Iron and also helps to detoxify the liver. It contains phytochemicals that may lower cortisol, a hormone secreted when you’re stressed that causes weight gain, so add some fresh basil to your water or tea.
