Sun Dried Tomato Pesto – Simple and Delicious
The thing about getting dinner on the table is that it really does not have to be complicated or take a long time. I have heard it said that even the simplest (but great tasting) cuisine is not necessarily easy or quick to prepare. This may be true in some cases, but I don’t think it is the governing rule of in the culinary arts. It is easier than we think. Most of the Dinner Ideas presented on The Culinary Exchange/Knickerbocker Glory took less then hour to create and serve.
I am a bigger fan of something that tastes good than something that only looks good. The pics are often not perfect because they are taken just before the actual dinner is served, that hectic point in the day when cooking, hungry family members and other evening events start to converge. There is no time for photoshopping or food styling. The photos have to be done, like the meal, in a quick and efficient manner making them look as tasty as possible. I am ok with the imperfection and how it reflects my reality. I know it will taste good and that is most important.
On many nights I am thrilled when I am inspired by something that is just plain easy. Sun dried tomato pesto is the simple foundation to many dishes that I turn to if I am squeezed for time. That 3 or 4 ingredients can create something so tasty makes it a perfect recipe to have in your back pocket, just in case. From snacks to pizzas to pastas, it is food wonder and WOW moment every time. Plus, did I mention that it is just plain easy!
- 2-3 Cloves of Garlic, peeled
- 10-15 Basil leaves, whole
- 1 jar (usually 8oz) sun dried tomatoes in olive oil
- Salt and Pepper
- Place all the ingredients in a food process or and process until smooth. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Add additional garlic or basil if needed.
- Refrigerate until use.
As a spread, this Sun Dried Tomato Pesto is delicious, perfect on crusty bread. It is also a great topping for your favorite focaccia recipe. Here is a simple focaccia recipe if you are in need of one.
- 1 cup water that is luke warm
- 2 teaspoons yeast (1 – 7g packet)
- 3 cups flour
- 3 tbsp good olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tsp dried italian seasoning
- Salt and Pepper
- More Olive Oil
- Preheat the oven to 375F
- In a large bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, mix water, yeast and sugar. Let sit 10 minutes, it will get foamy.
- Add half the flour and whisk the mixture until it is all incorporated. If you have time, you can let this sit for awhile and it will make for a more flavourful dough, (this is optional)
- Add the salt and olive oil. Whisk in the remaining flour slowly. You may have to use your hands. If you are using a stand mixer use the dough hook. The dough should start coming off the sides of the bowl. If the dough is a little sticky add a bit more flour.
- Knead for 15 minutes until it is nice and smooth and elastic.
- Oil a clean bowl, put in the dough, cover with a dish towel and let it rise in a warm place until doubled.
- Punch it down. Refrigerate for an hour if you have the time. On a floured surface, roll the dough into the shape you want. Focaccia is usually rectangle.
- Place the shaped dough on a 9×13 pan oiled with olive oil. Make indentations with your fingers in the dough. Rub the surface of the dough with olive oil. Sprinkle with salt. Let rise 30-40 minutes.
- Bake until golden brown.
- If you have have a bread maker, just put all the ingredients in it and use the dough setting. It works just fine and makes life a lot easier!
A thick slathering of sun dried tomato pesto before baking will take your focaccia to the next level. You can also apply the sun dried tomato pesto after baking – up to you! You can top it in so many ways!!
As a topping for pizza, sun dried tomato pesto is one of the greatest sauces. With a layer of parmesan cheese on top – BIG WOW MOMENT! It is SO GOOD! (Here is a simple pizza dough recipe.)
Sun Dried Tomato Pesto is also a great sauce for pasta. My favorite is when the pesto is used on pappardelle!
Sun Dried Tomato Pesto – Quick, Easy, Delicious – inspiration that makes getting dinner on the table just plain easy!
Keep Eating! Keep Innovating!
How do you make your Sun Dried Tomato Pesto? How do you use it – main dishes snacks, etc? Let us know in the comments or on Facebook.
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