A traditional Sicilian pasta from Trapani made with twisted busiate, fresh tomatoes, almonds, basil, garlic, and extra virgin olive oil. Fresh, aromatic, and naturally creamy without heavy cream.
Ingredients (Serves 4)
- 400g busiate pasta
- 350g ripe tomatoes
- 60g blanched almonds
- 1 small garlic clove
- 30g fresh basil leaves
- 60ml extra virgin olive oil
- 40g Pecorino Siciliano, finely grated
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper
- ½ cup reserved pasta water
Instructions
1. Prepare the Tomatoes
Score a small cross into the bottom of each tomato.
Place them in boiling water for about 30 seconds, then transfer immediately to cold water.
Peel away the skins, remove excess seeds, and roughly chop the tomatoes.
2. Make the Pesto Trapanese
Place the almonds and garlic in a mortar or food processor and crush until coarse.
Add the basil and continue crushing.
Add the tomatoes and gradually mix in the extra virgin olive oil until you have a rustic, slightly textured pesto.
Season lightly with salt and black pepper.
3. Cook the Busiate
Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil.
Cook the busiate until al dente according to the package instructions.
Reserve about ½ cup of the starchy pasta water before draining.
4. Combine
Place the pesto in a large mixing bowl.
Add the hot busiate and a small splash of reserved pasta water.
Toss thoroughly until the pesto coats every piece of pasta.
Add the Pecorino Siciliano and toss again. The residual heat from the pasta will gently bring everything together.
5. Serve
Divide immediately among warm bowls.
Finish with a few crushed almonds, fresh basil, and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.
Chef’s Tip 🇮🇹
Pesto Trapanese should not be cooked in the pan. Toss it with the freshly drained pasta away from direct heat to preserve the bright flavor of the tomatoes, basil, and extra virgin olive oil.
Final result: Twisted busiate coated in a fresh Sicilian pesto with ripe tomatoes, fragrant basil, crunchy almonds, Pecorino, and fruity olive oil — simple, rustic, and full of Mediterranean flavor. 🍅🌿🍝
