Savory Shortcrust Pinwheels (Girelle di Frolla Salata)
Category: Appetizers
Servings: 6
These delightful savory shortcrust pinwheels, or Girelle di Frolla Salata, are a perfect treat to serve as an appetizer. With a delicate combination of tangy ricotta, fragrant basil pesto, and rich Grana Padano, they offer a balance of textures and flavors wrapped in a buttery, crumbly shortcrust pastry. Whether for a dinner party or a casual snack, these pinwheels are sure to impress!
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour (00 flour) | 200g |
| Unsalted butter | 100g |
| Grana Padano cheese (grated) | 50g |
| Fresh rosemary (chopped) | 1 tsp |
| Large egg | 1 |
| Fine salt | A pinch |
| Ricotta cheese | 200g |
| Fresh basil leaves | 20 leaves |
| Garlic clove | ½ clove |
| Coarse sea salt | ½ tsp |
| Grana Padano cheese (grated) | 15g |
| Pecorino cheese (grated) | 5g |
| Pine nuts | 5g |
| Extra virgin olive oil | 50g |
Instructions
-
Prepare the Savory Shortcrust Pastry:
- Start by making the shortcrust dough. In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, Grana Padano cheese, cold butter cut into cubes, rosemary, and a pinch of fine salt. Use your hands to quickly rub the mixture together until it resembles a sandy texture.
- Add the egg to the mixture and continue to mix until the dough starts to come together. Form the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow it to rest and firm up.
-
Make the Basil Pesto:
- While the dough is resting, prepare the pesto. Place the fresh basil leaves in a food processor and pulse until finely chopped. Add the garlic, Grana Padano, Pecorino, and pine nuts, and pulse again until the mixture is well combined.
- Slowly drizzle in the olive oil, continuing to blend until the pesto reaches a smooth consistency. Taste and adjust the seasoning with coarse sea salt as needed. Set aside.
-
Prepare the Ricotta Filling:
- In a separate bowl, combine the ricotta cheese and prepared pesto. Use a fork to mash and mix the ingredients together until smooth and well integrated.
-
Assemble the Pinwheels:
- Once the dough has rested, roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a rectangular shape about 2mm thick.
- Spread the ricotta and pesto filling evenly over the rolled-out dough.
- Carefully roll the dough from the longer side to form a tight log.
- Using a sharp knife, slice the rolled dough into 12 equal pieces, each about 1cm wide.
-
Chill the Pinwheels:
- Arrange the pinwheels on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover them with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes. This will help the pinwheels hold their shape while baking and prevent them from losing their filling.
-
Bake the Pinwheels:
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) with the fan setting.
- Once the pinwheels have chilled, remove the plastic wrap and bake for approximately 20 minutes, or until they are golden brown on the outside and crispy.
-
Serve and Enjoy:
- Remove from the oven and allow the pinwheels to cool slightly before serving. These savory delights are perfect served warm or at room temperature as an appetizer or snack.
Tips for Success
- Rest the Dough: Allowing the dough to rest in the fridge is key to achieving a crisp, buttery texture. Don’t skip this step!
- Pesto Variations: You can experiment with different herbs or cheeses to create your own twist on this classic pesto.
- Make-Ahead Option: You can prepare the pinwheels a day ahead, refrigerating them before baking. Just pop them in the oven when you’re ready to serve!
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 330 kcal |
| Protein | 8g |
| Carbohydrates | 29g |
| Fat | 22g |
| Saturated Fat | 10g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sugars | 2g |
| Sodium | 220mg |
| Cholesterol | 55mg |
These savory pinwheels are rich in flavor and are sure to please any crowd. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply looking for a delicious homemade snack, Girelle di Frolla Salata is the perfect recipe to showcase your culinary creativity. Enjoy these delightful treats with a fresh salad or a glass of chilled white wine for a perfect pairing!
