Pantelleria is an island off the coast of Sicily, and pesto pantesco is the island’s version of Italy’s iconic mashed sauce. It’s made by pulverizing locally grown staples such as tomatoes, garlic, basil and/or parsley, almonds and, most notably, capers with olive oil until the mixture is coarsely pureed.
Salted capers are the hallmark of pesto pantesco. Including a generous three tablespoons (rinsed thoroughly of undissolved salt lest it potentially over-season the sauce) added unique funky, meaty depth and nuanced pepperiness.
