Sundried Tomato Spread

🌞 Sundried Tomato Spread - Mediterranean Magic in Every Bite

If you're looking for a savory spread packed with Mediterranean flavor, this Sundried Tomato Spread—also known as Tomatade or Caviar de Tomates in French—is a must-try. Made with sundried tomatoes, garlic, fresh basil, pine nuts (or almonds), and extra virgin olive oil, it’s rich, bold, and comes together in minutes. Whether you're spreading it on crusty bread, tossing it into pasta, or serving it alongside cheese and crackers, this is the kind of recipe that transforms everyday ingredients into something deeply satisfying.

What Is Sundried Tomato Spread? (A.K.A. Tomatade or Caviar de Tomates)

Sundried tomato spread, or tomatade, is a traditional Provençal condiment originating in the south of France. It's often referred to as caviar de tomates thanks to its luxurious texture and concentrated flavor.

Similar to Italian pesto in technique—where herbs and nuts are blended with olive oil—tomatade focuses on the intense, umami-packed flavor of sundried tomatoes instead of fresh greens. It also skips the cheese that’s often found in pesto, making it naturally dairy-free and vegan-friendly.

Ingredients & Notes

This flavorful spread is made with just a few pantry and fresh ingredients:

• Sundried Tomatoes - Look for oil-packed sundried tomatoes for extra richness and ease of blending.
• 🧄 Garlic - A small clove adds punchy flavor.
• 🌿 Fresh Basil - Adds brightness and freshness to balance the tomato's richness.
•   Pine Nuts or Ground Almonds - Pine nuts provide buttery smoothness, but blanched ground almond flour offer a slightly more rustic and budget-friendly alternative.
• 🫒 Extra Virgin Olive Oil - Use a high-quality olive oil to create a silky texture and enhance flavor.
• 🧂 Salt - Season to taste, especially if your sundried tomatoes are pre-salted.

🧑‍🍳 How to Make Sundried Tomato Spread

1. Pulse the Nuts: Add the pine nuts to a food processor and pulse until finely ground into a coarse powder. This creates a creamy base for the spread. (Skip if using almond flour)
2. Add Remaining Ingredients: Add the sundried tomatoes, garlic, and fresh basil to the processor. Pulse until everything is well chopped but still slightly chunky.
3. Stream in Olive Oil: With the processor running (or pulsing), slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the mixture comes together into a thick, spreadable paste.
4. Season & Taste: Add salt to taste. Blend again briefly to combine.

  Serving Suggestions for Sundried Tomato Spread

This flavorful spread shines in a variety of ways:

• As a Sandwich Spread: Add a generous layer to paninis, wraps, or veggie sandwiches.
• Tossed with Pasta: Mix with warm pasta and a splash of pasta water for an easy tomato-basil sauce.
• On Crostini: Serve on toasted baguette slices with cheese or olives.
• With a Cheese Board: Adds a bold, savory accent next to soft cheeses like goat cheese.
• With Grilled Vegetables: Use after grilling for a flavor boost.
• As a Pizza Base: Swap out tomato sauce for a layer of tomatade on flatbreads or pizzas.

Variations to Try

• Spicy Tomatade: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat.
• Add Cheese: Blend in a spoonful of grated Parmesan or Pecorino for a pesto-style variation.
• Roasted Red Pepper Version: Replace half the sundried tomatoes with roasted red peppers for a smokier, sweeter twist.
• Herb Swaps: Try adding fresh thyme or oregano for different herbal notes.

Storage Tips

Store your sundried tomato spread in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week. Drizzle a little extra olive oil over the top to help preserve freshness.

✨   Final Thoughts

This Sundried Tomato Spread (Tomatade) is a flavor-packed staple you'll want to keep on hand for everything from sandwiches to pasta to party platters. Whether you're cooking for yourself or entertaining guests, it's a simple way to bring a taste of the Mediterranean to your table.