Sundried Tomato & Basil Dip

Pellicano's Sundried Tomato & Basil Dip

Sweet Tang and Aromatic Herbs

Pellicano's Sundried Tomato & Basil Dip Mix is a highly concentrated dry seasoning that captures the essence of classic Italian pesto rosso (red pesto) and spreads. It balances the intense, tangy sweetness of dried tomatoes with the bright, herbaceous fragrance of basil and garlic.

The flavor profile is rich, savory, and perfectly balanced:

• Sweet and Tangy Base: The Dehydrated Tomato provides an intensely sweet, concentrated tanginess that defines the flavor, supported by the mild crunch and subtle vegetable sweetness of Green Bell Pepper.
• Aromatic Herbs: Basil and Dehydrated Parsley deliver a fresh, peppery, slightly sweet herbaceousness crucial to Italian flavors.
• Savory Depth: Dehydrated Garlic and Salt create the necessary savory anchor, ensuring the blend is robust enough for dipping and seasoning.

Essential for Dips, Spreads, and Quick Italian Meals

This blend is designed to be highly versatile, providing instant Italian flavor to both cold and cooked dishes:

• Creamy Dip: Mix with sour cream, Greek yogurt, or mayonnaise for a popular party dip.
• Cheeseball/Spread: Blend with softened cream cheese to create a vibrant, savory spread for bagels, crackers, or sandwiches.
• Pasta Seasoning: Toss hot pasta with olive oil and the dip mix for a simple, quick, sun-dried tomato and basil sauce.
• Compound Butter: Mix into softened butter to create a savory, red-flecked compound butter for serving with steak, chicken, or baked potatoes.
• Dressings: Whisk into a vinegar and oil base for a quick, aromatic Italian vinaigrette.

Fun Fact: The Intensity of Sun-Drying

Sun-drying is an ancient preservation method that dramatically increases the flavor concentration of the tomato. As the moisture evaporates, the tomato's natural sugars and organic acids are concentrated, intensifying the flavor five to ten times that of a fresh tomato. This process also develops complex, savory, umami flavors that are not present in fresh tomatoes, giving sun-dried varieties their signature deep tang and richness.

Easy Recipe: Aromatic Sundried Tomato Dipping Oil (Serves 4)

This simple preparation turns high-quality olive oil into a fragrant, savory appetizer in minutes.

Ingredients:

• 2 Tbsp. Pellicano's Sundried Tomato & Basil Dip Mix
• 1/2 Cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil (High Quality Recommended)
• Crusty Bread (e.g., Ciabatta or Baguette, Sliced)
• Optional: Balsamic Glaze (For Drizzling)

Instructions:

1. Combine: In a wide, shallow bowl, combine the Sundried Tomato & Basil Dip Mix with the Extra Virgin Olive Oil.
2. Infuse: Stir gently to ensure the spices are submerged. Let the mix sit at room temperature for at least 15 minutes, or up to 2 hours, before serving. This allows the dehydrated ingredients (tomato, basil, garlic) to fully release their oils and aromas into the oil.
3. Serve: Serve the dipping oil immediately with fresh, crusty bread slices. For a professional finish, you may drizzle a small amount of balsamic glaze into the oil before serving.

Ingredients: Salt, Dehydrated Garlic, Basil, Dehydrated Tomato, Green Bell Pepper, Refined Soybean Oil, Dehydrated Parsley, May Contain Up to 80 PPM Sulfites.