Can I use semi-dried or fresh tomatoes to make pesto Rosso?

Semi-dried tomatoes are a good option for sun-dried tomato pesto. If you use fresh tomatoes, it's best to use half the amount and add extra tomato paste. After blending, heat the pesto in a small saucepan for a few minutes to help the tomatoes reduce.

What is the difference between red pesto and green pesto?

Red pesto has a base built on tomatoes (usually sun-dried). Green pesto uses fresh basil and/or other greens such as spinach or parsley. Individual recipes can vary for both types of pesto, but tomatoes are the distinguishing feature determining red or green pesto.

Sumptuous Homemade Vegan Pesto Rosso (sun-dried tomato pesto)

👩🏻‍🍳 Recipe: Pesto Rosso

Pesto Rosso in a mason jar with the lid open.

Print Recipe

Sumptuous homemade vegan pesto Rosso combining 9 ingredients for a bold, full-flavored sun-dried tomato pesto without added oil.

Author: Denise
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 6 1x
Category: Sauces
Method: Blend
Cuisine: Italian
Diet: Vegan

Ingredients

Units Scale

2 cups sun-dried tomatoes
1/2 cup toasted pine nuts
1 cup fresh basil leaves
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 teaspoon miso paste
2 tablespoons lemon juice
3 cloves garlic
1 - 2 teaspoons crushed red pepper
1 tablespoon fresh rosemary leaves (1-2 teaspoons dry rosemary)

Instructions

Soak the sundried tomatoes. Place the sun-dried tomatoes in a small dish and cover them without about twice the amount of boiling water. Allow them to rehydrate for about 15 minutes.
Toast the pine nuts. Add the pine nuts to a small skillet or frying pan. Toast the nuts over medium heat for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly. Be sure to remove them from the pan quickly after toasting to prevent burning.
Blend the pesto. Add the tomatoes, pine nuts, tomato paste, miso paste, basil, lemon juice, garlic, crushed red pepper, and rosemary to a food processor or blender. Start blending at a low speed and gradually increase as the ingredients break down. If the pesto is too thick, add more lemon juice or a few teaspoons of water.
Taste and finish. Taste the pesto and adjust the spices as needed. Store any unused pesto in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Notes

In place of pine nuts, use walnuts or almonds. You can also try hazelnuts.
You can freeze unused pesto in an airtight container, freezer bag, or ice cube tray. Add these flavor bombs to your favorite soups, sauces, and stews.

Keywords: Pesto Rosso, Sun-dried tomato pesto, vegan pesto, plant-based, gluten-free, no added oil

Find it online: https://veganwithgusto.com/vegan-pesto-rosso/