Pesto and Tangy Tomato Whirls with Hints of Garlic
Description
Pesto and Tangy Tomato Whirls with Hints of Garlic are delectable, eggless bread rolls that combine the freshness of homemade pesto with the tangy goodness of a tomato sauce. These aromatic rolls have a soft, pull-apart texture, making them perfect for an appetizer or a snack. The addition of garlic and basil infuses the dough with a delightful herbaceous flavor, while the tangy tomato sauce brings a burst of zest. Whether served as a side dish or enjoyed on their own, these whirls are sure to be a hit, especially when garnished with cheese to make them extra appealing, particularly to the little ones!
These rolls are not just delicious but also easy to make, with layers of flavor that come together perfectly in each bite. Ideal for vegetarians, these tangy whirls are the perfect balance of savory, herbal, and slightly tangy—bringing an Italian twist to your everyday bread recipes. The addition of melted cheese or a sprinkle of Parmesan on top adds a rich, creamy finish that takes these whirls to the next level.
Cuisine: Italian Recipes
Course: Appetizer
Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
For the Dough:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| All Purpose Flour (Maida) | 1 cup |
| Active Dry Yeast | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Sugar | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Baking Powder | 1 pinch |
| Salt | To taste |
| Water | 1/2 cup (slightly warm) |
| Milk | As required |
For the Pesto Filling:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Basil Leaves | 6 sprigs |
| Garlic | 6 cloves |
| Extra Virgin Olive Oil | 1 tablespoon |
| Black Pepper Powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
For the Tangy Tomato Sauce:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Tomatoes | 4 (boiled and pureed) |
| Garlic | 4 cloves (finely chopped) |
| Onion | 1 small (finely chopped) |
| Tomato Ketchup | 2 tablespoons |
| Butter (Salted) | 1 teaspoon |
| Black Pepper Powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
Other Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Parsley Leaves (freshly chopped) | 1 tablespoon |
| Britannia Cheese Block (grated) | 1/2 cup |
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 150 minutes (including resting and baking time)
Total Time: 160 minutes
Servings: 6-8 servings
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine the slightly warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until the yeast becomes frothy and activated.
- Mix the Dough Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Make a well in the center, and pour in the activated yeast mixture and milk. Stir with a spoon to combine, and then knead the mixture into a smooth dough. You may add a little more milk or water if the dough feels too dry.
- Let the Dough Rise: Cover the dough with a damp cloth or plastic wrap and place it in a warm spot for 1-2 hours, or until it doubles in size.
Step 2: Prepare the Pesto Filling
- Make the Pesto: In a blender or food processor, combine the basil leaves, garlic, extra virgin olive oil, black pepper, and salt. Blend until smooth and well-combined. Set aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Tangy Tomato Sauce
- Cook the Sauce: Heat 1 teaspoon of salted butter in a pan over medium heat. Add the chopped garlic and onion and sauté until they turn soft and golden.
- Add the Tomatoes: Add the pureed tomatoes to the pan and let it simmer for 10-12 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Stir in the tomato ketchup, black pepper powder, and salt. Adjust seasoning to taste and cook for another 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Set aside to cool slightly.
Step 4: Assemble the Whirls
- Roll Out the Dough: Once the dough has risen, punch it down and turn it out onto a floured surface. Roll the dough into a rectangle, approximately 1/4 inch thick.
- Spread the Pesto: Spread the prepared pesto evenly over the surface of the dough.
- Add the Tomato Sauce: Spread a thin layer of the tangy tomato sauce over the pesto.
- Sprinkle Cheese: Add a generous sprinkle of grated Britannia cheese block over the tomato sauce for extra flavor (optional but highly recommended for added richness).
- Form the Rolls: Carefully roll the dough into a tight log, starting from the longer side. Slice the rolled dough into 1-2 inch thick rounds to form individual rolls.
Step 5: Bake the Whirls
- Prepare the Baking Pan: Grease a baking dish or line it with parchment paper. Arrange the rolls closely together in the pan, allowing a little space for expansion.
- Let the Rolls Rest: Cover the baking dish with a cloth and let the rolls rest for 20-30 minutes for a second rise.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes or until they are golden brown on top and cooked through.
- Finish with Butter: Once baked, remove the rolls from the oven and brush the tops with a little melted butter for extra flavor and a glossy finish.
Step 6: Serve
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish the whirls with freshly chopped parsley and additional cheese, if desired. Serve warm as an appetizer or a side dish to complement your Italian meal. These rolls are perfect for dipping into extra tangy tomato sauce or olive oil for a more decadent experience.
Tips:
- Customize the Filling: You can add more vegetables like finely chopped spinach or olives into the filling for extra flavor.
- Cheese Options: Besides Britannia cheese, you can use mozzarella, Parmesan, or any cheese of your choice to make the whirls more indulgent.
- Storage: These whirls are best served fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for 1-2 days. Reheat them in the oven for a few minutes before serving.
Enjoy these Pesto and Tangy Tomato Whirls with Hints of Garlic as a perfect snack, appetizer, or side dish that brings a burst of Italian flavor to your table. The combination of pesto, tomato, and cheese will make these whirls a crowd favorite at any gathering.
