Olive Pastry Sheets with Pesto and Ricotta
Category: Appetizers
Servings: 4
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
These Olive Pastry Sheets with Pesto and Ricotta are the perfect blend of creamy, tangy, and savory flavors. With the richness of ricotta and the freshness of homemade basil pesto, this dish is ideal for impressing guests at your next gathering or adding a delightful touch to a festive meal. The olive pastry sheets add a unique texture and a salty contrast that complements the vibrant pesto filling.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Olive Pastry Sheets | 12 pieces |
| Fresh Ricotta Cheese | 200g |
| Green Olives | 6, pitted |
| Pine Nuts | 1 tablespoon |
| Fresh Basil | 30g |
| Parmigiano Reggiano DOP (grated) | 10g |
| Pecorino Cheese (grated) | 10g |
| Extra Virgin Olive Oil | 40ml |
| Salt | to taste |
Instructions
1. Prepare the Pesto:
To make a fresh homemade pesto, start by washing and drying the basil leaves thoroughly. Place the basil in a mortar (or a food processor) along with the pine nuts, grated Parmigiano Reggiano, grated Pecorino, and a pinch of salt. Add the extra virgin olive oil and begin pestling (or blending in the food processor) until you have a smooth, creamy pesto sauce. If the mixture feels too thick, you can add a little more olive oil to achieve your desired consistency.
2. Mix Pesto with Ricotta:
Once your pesto is ready, transfer it to a small bowl and gently mix in the ricotta cheese. Stir well until the ingredients are fully incorporated and you have a smooth, creamy filling. The pesto adds an aromatic flavor, while the ricotta contributes a luscious creaminess. For the best texture, make sure the ricotta is smooth and free of lumps.
3. Fill the Olive Pastry Sheets:
Next, take a piping bag (or a plastic ziplock bag with the tip cut off) and fill it with the pesto-ricotta mixture. Carefully pipe a small amount of this flavorful filling onto each olive pastry sheet. The olive pastries will absorb the creamy pesto blend and make each bite a flavorful delight.
4. Serve and Enjoy:
These olive pastry sheets are ready to serve! They can be enjoyed immediately as an appetizer or starter for any meal. The crispy pastry paired with the creamy pesto and ricotta filling creates a truly mouthwatering combination. You can also garnish them with a few extra pine nuts or a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil for added richness.
This dish not only provides a wonderful combination of textures and flavors, but it also serves as a visually appealing appetizer for any gathering. The earthy olive pastry gives a savory backdrop to the bright, fresh pesto and creamy ricotta filling, making it a perfect starter for any occasion.
