Pesto Muffins

Pesto Muffins: A delicious and versatile recipe for cooking enthusiasts

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 25-30 minutes
Total: 40-45 minutes
Number of servings: 12 muffins

Pesto muffins are a fantastic choice for a quick breakfast, a savory snack, or even an elegant appetizer at a meal with friends. These delightful savory muffins are packed with flavor and can be customized according to your preferences. Follow the steps below to achieve a perfect result!

Ingredients:
- 250 g of flour (preferably white or whole wheat for a more complex taste)
- 10 g of baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 50 g of grated Parmesan cheese (you can substitute with goat cheese for a more intense flavor)
- 2 large eggs (at room temperature)
- 150 g of Greek yogurt (you can also use plain yogurt)
- 100 g of pesto (homemade or store-bought, but make sure it is of good quality)
- 50 ml of extra virgin olive oil

To add a personal touch, you can include some sun-dried tomatoes or finely chopped olives in the mixture.

Preparation:
1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Prepare a muffin tin, greasing it with a little oil or using paper liners to prevent sticking.

2. In a large bowl, sift the flour together with the baking powder and salt. Mix the dry ingredients well, then add the grated Parmesan, ensuring it is evenly distributed.

3. In another bowl, whisk the eggs with a whisk or fork until frothy. Add the yogurt and pesto, mixing well to achieve a homogeneous mixture. Finally, incorporate the olive oil, which will add moisture and a refined taste to your muffins.

4. Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients. Use a spatula to gently mix, just until the ingredients combine. Be careful not to overmix, as this will prevent you from achieving fluffy muffins!

5. Distribute the mixture evenly in the muffin cups, filling them about 2/3 full. This will allow the muffins to rise beautifully during baking.

6. Bake the muffins in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until they are golden and a tester inserted in the center comes out clean.

7. Let them cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Serving suggestions:
Pesto muffins pair perfectly with a fresh green salad or can be served alongside a creamy cheese spread. You can add a slice of fresh tomato or a few basil leaves for a more appetizing look.

Variations:
Experiment with various ingredients and flavors! You can add chopped Kalamata olives, roasted red peppers, or even chopped nuts for an extra texture. You can also replace the classic pesto with a carob or spinach pesto for a unique twist.

These pesto muffins are not only a simple and quick recipe, but they are also extremely versatile, being adaptable to your tastes. Enjoy them warm or store them in the fridge for a delicious snack in the following days!