Pesto rolled chicken

Delicious Pesto Roll - a savory and easy-to-make recipe

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 25 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Welcome to my kitchen! Today we will prepare a pesto roll, a recipe that combines the crunchy texture of puff pastry with the intense flavors of pesto sauce, fresh tomatoes, and mozzarella. This roll is perfect as an appetizer or a main course, being easy to make and full of flavor. It's an ideal choice for a quick dinner or to impress guests at a party. Let's see together the steps to create an extraordinary roll!

Necessary ingredients

- 1 puff pastry (about 250 g, preferably high quality)
- 4 teaspoons of pesto sauce (you can use basil or sun-dried tomato pesto, depending on your preferences)
- 2 large ripe tomatoes (for a more intense flavor, you can opt for heirloom tomatoes)
- 1 ball of mozzarella (about 125 g, fresh mozzarella is ideal)
- 2 slices of ham or prosciutto (you can also use prosciutto for a more sophisticated taste)
- 1/2 red bell pepper, sliced thin
- Cherry tomatoes (for decoration, but also for a sweet-sour taste)
- A little olive oil (optional)

Detailed instructions

1. Preparing the puff pastry
Start by taking the puff pastry out of the freezer about 15 minutes before you start working. It should be soft enough but not completely thawed. Sprinkle a little flour on the work surface to prevent sticking. Then, roll out the dough into a rectangle about 30 cm x 40 cm using a rolling pin.

2. Preparing the filling
After rolling out the dough, place it on a baking paper to easily transfer it to the oven. Use a spatula or spoon to spread the pesto sauce on the uncut side of the dough, leaving a margin of about 2 cm.

3. Adding the ingredients
Now it's time to add the filling! Slice the tomatoes thinly and arrange them evenly over the pesto sauce. Tear the mozzarella into smaller pieces and distribute it over the tomatoes. Add the slices of ham or prosciutto, followed by the slices of red bell pepper. This combination not only looks splendid but also tastes divine!

4. Forming the roll
Start lifting the edges of the dough alternately to cover the filling. You can start from one corner and continue in a zig-zag motion. This step is crucial for achieving the characteristic look of the roll. Make sure the filling is well covered, and at the end, gently press the edges to seal the roll.

5. Decorating the roll
In a small bowl, mix a little pesto with a few drops of olive oil and brush the roll with this mixture to give it a beautiful golden color when baked. On top, you can add some cubes of red bell pepper, mozzarella, and halved cherry tomatoes for an extra touch of color and freshness.

6. Baking
Preheat the oven to 200 °C. Place the roll on a baking tray and bake it for 20-25 minutes, or until it becomes golden and crispy. It is essential not to open the oven in the first 15 minutes to allow the dough to rise evenly.

7. Serving
When the roll is ready, take it out of the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes before slicing it. You can serve the roll warm or cold, alongside a crisp green salad for a balanced and healthy meal. This roll pairs perfectly with a glass of white wine or a fresh cocktail.

A brief history of the recipe

Rolls are a cooking form that has evolved over the centuries, with deep roots in culinary traditions worldwide. Whether we talk about sweet or savory dishes, the roll has become a symbol of creativity in gastronomy, offering a simple and elegant way to combine various ingredients. Pesto, a staple ingredient of this recipe, comes from northern Italy and is a combination of basil, garlic, nuts, and olive oil, bringing a fresh and vibrant taste.

Tips and useful advice

- Ingredient variations: You can experiment with different types of cheese, such as feta or goat cheese. Additionally, adding olives or mushrooms can provide an extra note of flavor.
- Stay versatile: This recipe can easily be adapted to become vegetarian by removing the ham and adding fresh or roasted vegetables.
- Find inspiration: Try serving this roll with yogurt or tzatziki sauces for a refreshing contrast.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use store-bought puff pastry?
Absolutely! Store-bought puff pastry is an excellent choice for saving time and achieving a delicious result.

2. How do I store leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 2-3 days. You can reheat them in the oven to regain their crispy texture.

3. Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
Yes, you can adapt the recipe using vegan puff pastry and eliminating all animal products.

Nutritional benefits

This pesto roll is a nutritious choice, thanks to the fresh ingredients. Tomatoes are rich in antioxidants, mozzarella provides protein, and pesto is an excellent source of healthy fats. Consumed in moderation, the roll becomes a versatile and delicious option in your diet.

Remember, cooking is both an art and a science. Every detail matters, and every recipe is an opportunity to explore new tastes and combinations. I hope you enjoyed this pesto roll recipe and that you will try it soon! Bon appétit!