Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto

1 . Stage

Toast the walnuts: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Place the nuts on a sheet pan in a single layer. Toast for 6 to 8 minutes or until fragrant and lightly colored. Remove from the oven and allow to cool.

2 . Stage

Start processing the ingredients: Place the half of the sun-dried tomatoes along with all the walnuts, cheeses, garlic, salt, pepper, chili flakes and preserved roasted red pepper (if using) into a food processor or blender. Pulse a few times until chopped well.

3 . Stage

Add the rest of the tomatoes and the oil: Next, add the rest of the sun-dried tomatoes and the oil they’re packed in. (Splitting up the tomatoes will add some variance in texture.) With the motor running, steam in the olive oil, pausing to scrape down the sides once or twice, until the pesto has a uniform, but not-quite-pureed, consistency. (You want to ensure there’s still a bit of chunkiness to get a nice, toothsome texture.) Use right away or store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week or in the freezer for up to 3 months for when needed.