Pesto alla Trapanese: the Sicilian recipe that conquers everyone
Index
- What is Trapani Pesto?
- The origins: a story of sea and contaminations
- Authentic ingredients and modern variations
- How to make pesto alla trapanese step by step
- The best combinations in the kitchen
- Pesto alla trapanese: benefits and nutritional values
- The most searched questions online (and the answers)
- Why choose Frantoi Cutrera Trapanese pesto
- Where to buy the best pesto alla trapanese online
1. What is Trapani pesto?
Pesto alla trapanese is a traditional Sicilian sauce made with fresh tomatoes, almonds, basil, garlic and extra virgin olive oil . Originating from the port city of Trapani, this pesto has a fresh, rich and enveloping flavor that tells all the generosity of the Sicilian land.
2. The origins: a story of sea and contaminations
Pesto alla trapanese was born from the encounter between Ligurian influences and Sicilian products. Genoese sailors brought Ligurian pesto with them to Trapani, but local housewives replaced the pine nuts with almonds , the Ligurian basil with the native one and added the main ingredient of Sicilian cuisine: the tomato .
A cultural fusion that has given birth to one of the most beloved sauces in the Mediterranean.
3. Authentic ingredients and modern variations
The secret of an excellent pesto alla trapanese? Simple, local and top-quality ingredients. Each component of this recipe tells a part of Sicily, from the sunny fields to the breezy coasts, offering the palate an intense and genuine experience. The traditional version is so loved because it combines freshness, flavor and a creamy and enveloping consistency. But over the years some modern variations have also been created that allow everyone, even those with special dietary needs, to enjoy this gastronomic marvel.
Traditional ingredients:
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Fresh tomatoes or ripe cherry tomatoes , for a sweet and decisive taste
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Peeled almonds (better if toasted), symbol of Sicilian sweetness
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Fresh, fragrant and aromatic basil
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Garlic , for a decisive and characterising touch
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High quality extra virgin olive oil , such as that of Frantoi Cutrera, which perfectly combines all the flavours
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Sicilian Pecorino or Grana Padano , for a savoury and enveloping touch
- Salt and pepper, for the final balance
Variants searched online:
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Pesto alla trapanese without cheese : designed for those who follow a vegan diet or are lactose intolerant, without losing the typical taste
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Pesto alla trapanese with dried tomatoes : offers a more intense and concentrated version, ideal for those who love strong flavours
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Pesto alla trapanese with ricotta : adds an extra creaminess, perfect for a more delicate and velvety dish
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Without basil : less common but interesting, it lends itself to original reinterpretations with other aromatic herbs
Whether you choose the traditional recipe or a creative variation, pesto alla trapanese remains a dish capable of bringing the sun and authentic flavor of Sicily to the table.
4. How to prepare pesto alla trapanese step by step
- Lightly blanch the tomatoes, peel them and remove the seeds.
- Toast the almonds for a few minutes in a pan
- In a mortar (or blender), crush the garlic and almonds with a pinch of salt.
- Add the tomatoes and basil, continuing to crush
- Pour in the extra virgin olive oil, until you obtain a thick cream.
- Add the grated cheese and mix gently.
The result? A full-bodied sauce, with an intense and balanced flavor.
5. The best combinations in the kitchen
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Pasta : busiate trapanesi, spaghetti or linguine
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Toasted bread or bruschetta : perfect for a quick appetizer
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Grilled fish : tuna, swordfish, cuttlefish
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Baked vegetables : aubergines, courgettes, peppers
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White pizza : a neutral base that enhances the pesto
6. Pesto alla trapanese: benefits and nutritional values
Pesto alla trapanese is not only a delight for the palate, but also an ally for well-being. Thanks to its natural composition and the typical ingredients of the Mediterranean diet, it provides numerous health benefits.
1. Rich in antioxidants
Fresh tomatoes and extra virgin olive oil are precious sources of natural antioxidants, such as lycopene and polyphenols. These substances help fight free radicals, contributing to the prevention of cellular aging and some chronic diseases.
2. Source of "good" fats
EVO oil and almonds provide monounsaturated and omega-3 fatty acids, known for their positive effects on the heart and circulation. Consumed regularly, they help maintain balanced cholesterol levels and good cardiovascular health.
3. Energy and essential nutrients
Almonds, cheese and extra virgin olive oil provide easily assimilated energy, along with B vitamins, vitamin E, magnesium, calcium and zinc. A spoonful of pesto alla trapanese is a small concentration of nutrients.
4. Suitable for balanced diets
Thanks to its balanced composition, pesto alla trapanese is ideal for those who follow a healthy and varied diet. It is easily digestible and can also be adapted to vegetarian or vegan versions, replacing the cheese.
5. Natural satiating effect
The healthy fats and proteins in pesto ingredients help regulate appetite and prolong the feeling of satiety, avoiding excesses at the table.
In short, pesto alla trapanese is not only good: it is also nutritious, natural and complete. Perfect for those looking for taste and well-being in the same dish. Thanks to its natural ingredients, pesto alla trapanese is:
- Rich in antioxidants (tomatoes and EVO oil)
- Source of good fats (extra virgin olive oil and almonds)
- Loaded with vitamins and mineral salts
- Suitable for balanced Mediterranean diets
A healthy, tasty and complete condiment.
7. The most searched questions online (and the answers)
How do you make Trapani-style pesto? → See paragraph 4
What are the ingredients? → See paragraph 3
Which pasta to use for pesto alla trapanese? → Busiate or spaghetti are perfect
Can it be made without cheese? → Yes, with excellent results
Is it suitable for air fryer? → Yes, used as a post-cooking topping
8. Why choose Frantoi Cutrera Trapanese pesto
Our pesto alla trapanese is part of the Segreti di Sicilia line, made only with 100% local and natural ingredients . Sicilian almonds, Frantoi Cutrera extra virgin olive oil and tomatoes from our land make this pesto unique.
In a jar ready to use, but faithful to tradition: it is the perfect choice for those who love quality and want to bring an authentic piece of Sicily to the table.
9. Where to buy the best pesto alla trapanese online
You can buy our ready-made pesto alla trapanese directly in the official Frantoi Cutrera shop. You will receive at your home a handmade, natural and authentic product, made with love and passion.
Discover our Trapani-style pesto
