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Pasta with almond, basil and pecorino pesto (pesto alla Trapanese)

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Pasta with almond, basil and pecorino pesto (pesto alla Trapanese)

Homemade pesto is such a treat. This version comes from Trapani in Sicily, and uses almonds and tomatoes instead of pine nuts.

Ingredients

  • 75²µ/2¾´Ç³ú almonds in their skins
  • large handful basil (about 30g/1oz), torn (reserve a few leaves for decoration)
  • 4 garlic cloves, chopped
  • 300²µ/10½´Ç³ú cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 50²µ/1¾´Ç³ú pecorino cheese (or vegetarian hard cheese), grated, plus extra to serve
  • 6 tbsp olive oil
  • 8 turns black peppermill
  • ½ tsp salt, plus extra for cooking
  • 500g/1lb 2oz spaghetti, linguine or bucatini, to serve

Method

  1. Bring a pan of water to the boil and blanch the almonds for a few minutes. Drain and set aside to cool, then pinch off the skins.

  2. Toast the almonds in a dry frying pan over medium–high heat. Keep them moving to prevent burning; they should be a light golden colour.

  3. In a food processor, pulse the almonds until they resemble breadcrumbs. Add the basil and garlic and pulse a couple of times. Tip into a bowl.

  4. Mix in the tomatoes, pecorino and oil. Season with the salt and pepper.

  5. Bring a pan of salted water to the boil and cook the pasta until al dente. Drain it and stir the pesto through. Serve, garnished with basil, with plenty of pecorino.