Pesto Puff Pastry Swirls

Pesto puff pastry swirls are easy and quick to prepare appetizers, perfect for a drink or a buffet. Here is the recipe:

Ingredients

• 1 rectangular roll of puff pastry
• Genoese pesto to taste (you could use a jar of ready-made pesto or, if you prefer, prepare it fresh with basil, pine nuts, Parmesan, garlic, extra virgin olive oil, and a pinch of salt)
• 1 egg yolk (for brushing, optional)
• grated Parmesan (optional, for garnish)

Preparation

1. Preheat the oven to 180 °C (356 °F).
2. Roll out the puff pastry on a work surface, keeping the parchment paper underneath.
3. Spread the pesto evenly over the surface of the pastry, leaving a small edge free to facilitate sealing. Be careful not to use too much pesto to prevent it from leaking during cooking.
4. Roll up the puff pastry forming a cylinder, starting from the long side, and then lightly press the edges to seal the roll.
5. With a sharp knife, cut the cylinder into slices about 2 cm thick.
6. Place the swirls on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, keeping a little space between each one.
7. (Optional) Brush the surface of the swirls with beaten egg yolk to achieve a more golden color during cooking.
8. Sprinkle each swirl with a pinch of grated Parmesan to add crunchiness and flavor.
9. Bake the swirls in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes or until the pastry is golden and crispy.
10. Let them cool on a wire rack before serving.

Curiosity

Pesto, typical of Liguria, is well-known worldwide, and its recipe has been “imported” into various dishes beyond pasta. The versatility of pesto makes it a delicious addition to many baking recipes, like these puff pastry swirls, which combine Italian tradition with culinary innovation.