Pesto Rosso, also known as red pesto, is a rich and flavourful Italian sauce that brings a delightful twist to traditional pesto dishes. Made with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, nuts, Parmesan cheese, and fresh herbs, it offers a unique taste experience. Unlike the familiar green pesto, which primarily features basil and pine nuts, Pesto Rosso's key ingredient is sun-dried tomatoes, giving it a vibrant red colour and a deep, tangy flavour with a hint of sweetness. This sauce is incredibly versatile, enhancing a wide variety of dishes with its robust taste and aromatic qualities.
Making Your Own Pesto Rosso
Creating homemade Pesto Rosso is a straightforward process that yields a delicious and versatile condiment. Here’s a detailed recipe to guide you:
Ingredients:
200g sun-dried tomatoes (packed in oil)
2 cloves of garlic
50g grated Parmesan cheese
75g almonds or pine nuts
25g fresh basil leaves
60ml extra-virgin olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Begin by draining the sun-dried tomatoes, reserving some of the oil for later use.
In a food processor or blender, combine the sun-dried tomatoes, garlic cloves, grated Parmesan cheese, almonds (or pine nuts), and fresh basil leaves.
Pulse the mixture while gradually adding the extra-virgin olive oil until you achieve a smooth consistency.
Taste the pesto and season with salt and pepper as desired.
If the pesto is too thick, you can add a bit of the reserved oil from the sun-dried tomatoes to reach the desired consistency.
Transfer the Pesto Rosso to a jar or airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It can be used as a spread, pasta sauce, or a delicious addition to various dishes.
Red Pesto Pasta Recipe
Indulging in a delightful bowl of Pesto Rosso Pasta allows you to enjoy the rich and tangy flavours of Pesto Rosso combined with perfectly cooked pasta. This recipe provides you with the option of using homemade Pesto Rosso for a personal touch or opting for a high-quality store-bought version for convenience. Either way, the result is a satisfying dish where the sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, nuts, and Parmesan cheese coat every strand of pasta with a burst of flavour.
Ingredients (Serves 4):
225g Bronze Die Linguine
135g Red Pesto
1 tablespoon Extra Virgin Olive Oil
2 teaspoons diced garlic
200g Nduja sausage chunks (you could use chorizo or even traditional sausages if you cannot get hold of nduja)
Fresh basil
Fresh parsley
50g grated Parmesan
Salt
Black pepper
Cooking Method:
In a pot of plenty of salted water, cook the pasta for 8-10 minutes until al dente. While the pasta is cooking, heat the extra virgin olive oil in a large non-stick frying pan.
Once the oil is hot, add the diced garlic and nduja sausage chunks. The nduja will warm up and crumble, releasing its delicious oils, spices, and flavours into the pan, which will all blend into the sauce.
Once the pasta is cooked, drain it, reserving a cup of the pasta water.
Add the cooked pasta to the pan with the nduja, followed by the red pesto. Mix everything well until combined, adding a few splashes of the reserved pasta water as needed to loosen up the pasta. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve the pasta hot with a sprinkle of fresh basil and parsley and a generous amount of grated Parmesan on top.
Enjoy your delicious Pesto Rosso Pasta!
Exploring the Rich Flavours of Nduja
Nduja is a unique, spicy sausage originating from Calabria, Italy. It is known for its soft, almost crumbly texture and rich, spicy flavour. Nduja is made from pork and a mixture of chilli peppers, which give it its distinctive heat. The influence of the Spanish, who introduced chillies to southern Italy, is evident in this ingredient. Nduja’s fiery taste and creamy texture make it an excellent addition to various dishes, especially pasta.
Versatility of Pesto Rosso
One of the remarkable aspects of Pesto Rosso is its versatility. While it shines in pasta dishes, it can also be used in numerous other culinary applications including many antipasti dishes. Here are a few ideas to inspire you:
Spread for Sandwiches and Wraps: Pesto Rosso makes a fantastic spread for sandwiches and wraps, adding a burst of flavour to your lunch. Spread it on a slice of crusty bread or a wrap, and layer with your favourite ingredients such as grilled vegetables, cheese, and cold cuts.
Pizza Topping: Use Pesto Rosso as a base sauce for pizzas. Spread it over the dough and top with mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, olives, and fresh basil. Bake until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted for a delicious twist on traditional pizza.
Dip for Vegetables: Serve Pesto Rosso as a dip for fresh or roasted vegetables. Its rich, tangy flavour pairs wonderfully with crunchy carrots, celery, bell peppers, and even roasted potatoes.
Marinade for Meats: Pesto Rosso can be used as a marinade for meats such as chicken, beef, or pork. Coat the meat with the pesto and let it marinate for a few hours before grilling or roasting. The pesto will infuse the meat with its robust flavours.
Addition to Soups and Stews: Stir a spoonful of Pesto Rosso into soups and stews for an added depth of flavour. It works particularly well with tomato-based soups and hearty vegetable stews.
The Cultural Significance of Pesto
Pesto, in its various forms, holds a special place in Italian cuisine. Originating from the Liguria region in northern Italy, traditional pesto (Pesto alla Genovese) is made with fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil. The word "pesto" comes from the Italian verb "pestare," which means to pound or crush, reflecting the traditional method of making pesto using a mortar and pestle.
Pesto Rosso, while a variation, maintains the same essence of combining fresh, high-quality ingredients to create a vibrant and flavourful sauce. The use of sun-dried tomatoes in Pesto Rosso adds a unique twist, showcasing the versatility and adaptability of Italian cuisine.
Storing and Preserving Pesto Rosso
To ensure your Pesto Rosso stays fresh and flavourful, it is important to store it properly. Here are some tips:
Refrigeration: Store Pesto Rosso in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can last for up to a week when stored this way.
Freezing: For longer storage, consider freezing Pesto Rosso. Portion the pesto into ice cube trays and freeze. Once frozen, transfer the cubes to a freezer-safe bag or container. This way, you can easily thaw and use small portions as needed.
Covering with Oil: To prevent oxidation and maintain the vibrant colour of Pesto Rosso, cover the top of the pesto with a thin layer of olive oil before sealing the container.
Nutritional Benefits of Pesto Rosso
Pesto Rosso is not only delicious but also offers several nutritional benefits. Here are some key nutrients found in the ingredients:
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Rich in antioxidants, vitamins C and K, and dietary fibre, sun-dried tomatoes provide a healthy dose of nutrients.
Garlic: Known for its immune-boosting properties, garlic also offers anti-inflammatory and antibacterial benefits.
Nuts: Whether you choose almonds or pine nuts, both are excellent sources of healthy fats, protein, and essential vitamins and minerals.
Parmesan Cheese: A good source of calcium and protein, Parmesan cheese adds a rich flavour while contributing to your daily nutrient intake.
Basil: Fresh basil leaves are packed with vitamins A and K, as well as antioxidants that support overall health.
Olive Oil: Extra-virgin olive oil is a heart-healthy fat that provides antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties.
Concluding our Red Pesto or Pesto Rosso and Pasta
Pesto Rosso, or red pesto, is a delightful and versatile Italian sauce that brings a rich, tangy flavour to a variety of dishes. Made from sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, nuts, Parmesan cheese, and fresh herbs, it offers a unique twist on traditional green pesto. Whether used in pasta, as a spread, or in other culinary applications, Pesto Rosso is sure to enhance your meals with its robust taste and aromatic qualities.
This recipe for Pesto Rosso and Red Pesto Pasta provides a delicious and satisfying way to enjoy this flavourful sauce. The addition of nduja sausage adds a spicy kick, creating a dish that is both comforting and exciting. With its cultural significance, nutritional benefits, and versatility, Pesto Rosso is a wonderful addition to any kitchen. Enjoy experimenting with this vibrant sauce and discovering new ways to incorporate it into your favourite dishes.
Love this recipe? You should also try our Red Pesto Gnocchi Bake!