Tomato + Pesto Recipe
Roasted tomato, basil pesto, red sauce, mozz, parm, herbs
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Ingredients
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Roasted Tomatoes
Basil Pesto
Red Sauce
Cheese and Herbs
Method
Roasting Tomatoes
- 1
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- 2
Prepare the Tomatoes
Rinse the Roma tomatoes and slice them in half lengthwise. Place them on a baking sheet.
- 3
Season the Tomatoes
Drizzle the olive oil over the tomatoes and sprinkle with salt and black pepper.
- 4
Roast the Tomatoes
Roast in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, until they are tender and slightly caramelized.
Making Basil Pesto
- 5
Combine Ingredients
In a food processor, combine fresh basil leaves, pine nuts, garlic cloves, grated Parmesan cheese, and salt.
- 6
Blend the Mixture
Pulse the mixture until finely chopped.
- 7
Add Olive Oil
With the food processor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the pesto is smooth and creamy.
- 8
Taste and Adjust
Taste the pesto and adjust seasoning if necessary.
Preparing Red Sauce
- 9
- 10
Add Tomatoes and Spices
Add the canned crushed tomatoes, oregano, salt, and black pepper to the saucepan. Bring to a simmer.
- 11
Simmer the Sauce
Let the sauce simmer for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Assembling the Dish
- 12
Layer Ingredients
In a baking dish, spread a layer of the red sauce on the bottom. Then add half of the roasted tomatoes.
- 13
Add Pesto and Cheese
Spread a layer of basil pesto over the tomatoes and sprinkle with half of the shredded mozzarella cheese.
- 14
Repeat Layers
Repeat the layers with the remaining ingredients: red sauce, roasted tomatoes, pesto, and mozzarella.
- 15
Top with Parmesan
Finish by sprinkling the top with grated Parmesan cheese.
- 16
Bake the Dish
Bake in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- 17
Garnish and Serve
Remove from the oven, let it cool for a few minutes, garnish with fresh basil and parsley, and serve warm.
