Pesto Swirls

Pesto swirls are a delicious finger food made with puff pastry and pesto, perfect for an aperitif or a starter. Here is the recipe:

Ingredients

• 1 rectangular sheet of puff pastry
• Basil pesto (as much as you like, about 4-5 tablespoons)
• Grated Parmesan cheese to taste (optional)
• A few pine nuts (optional)

Preparation

1. Preheat the oven to 180 °C (fan mode if available).
2. Roll out the puff pastry on your work surface, keeping the parchment paper that usually wraps it underneath.
3. Spread the pesto evenly over the surface of the puff pastry, leaving a small empty border on one of the long sides to make it easier to seal.
4. If desired, you can sprinkle the surface of the puff pastry with grated Parmesan and add a few pine nuts for additional crunch.
5. Begin to roll up the puff pastry from the side opposite to the free edge, trying to keep the roll as tight as possible.
6. Once you have the roll, put it in the refrigerator for about 15-30 minutes. This step will help to cut the swirls more easily without deforming them.
7. Remove the roll from the refrigerator and cut it into slices about 1-2 cm thick.
8. Place the swirls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, keeping some distance between them.
9. Bake the swirls for about 12-15 minutes or until they are golden brown and crispy.
10. Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly on a wire rack before serving.

Curiosity

Pesto swirls are a great idea for when you have unexpected guests or when you want to prepare something quick and elegant. Pesto, a delight of Ligurian cuisine, is used here in a modern and creative way. Remember that you can play with flavors, using red pesto or other varieties of spreadable condiments as well!