French > Pithiviers

Pithivier with Pesto and Mozzarella Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 sheets of puff pastry
- 4 tablespoons of pesto
- 4 ounces of mozzarella, grated
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste

Special Equipment Needed:
- Baking sheet
- Rolling pin
- Knife

Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. On a lightly floured surface, roll out each sheet of puff pastry until it is about 1/8 inch thick.
3. Cut each sheet of puff pastry into two circles, each about 8 inches in diameter.
4. Place one circle of puff pastry on the baking sheet.
5. Spread the pesto evenly over the puff pastry circle.
6. Sprinkle the grated mozzarella over the pesto.
7. Place the second circle of puff pastry over the top of the first.
8. Crimp the edges of the two circles together with a fork.
9. Brush the top of the pastry with the olive oil.
10. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
11. Bake in preheated oven for 25 minutes, or until golden brown.

Time:
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Temperature: 375°F
Serving Size: 4

Nutritional Information:
Calories: 456
Fat: 28 g
Carbohydrates: 33 g
Protein: 11 g

Substitutions for Ingredients
- Pesto: Basil pesto can be substituted with spinach pesto or sun-dried tomato pesto.
- Mozzarella: Any type of cheese can be used in place of mozzarella, such as cheddar, Swiss, or goat cheese.

Variations:
- Add other vegetables such as mushrooms, peppers, or onions to the pesto and cheese mixture.
- Add cooked chicken or shrimp to the pesto and cheese mixture.
- Substitute the pesto with a different sauce such as marinara or Alfredo.

Tips and Tricks:
- Make sure to roll out the puff pastry evenly to ensure even baking.
- To prevent the edges of the pastry from burning, brush the edges with a little extra olive oil.

Storage Instructions:
The pithivier can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating Instructions:
The pithivier can be reheated in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes, or until heated through.

Presentation Ideas:
- Serve the pithivier on a bed of greens.
- Sprinkle with fresh herbs such as parsley or basil.
- Serve with a side of marinara sauce for dipping.

Garnishes:
- Fresh herbs such as parsley or basil
- Shaved Parmesan cheese

Pairings:
- A crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc
- A light red wine such as Pinot Noir

Suggested Side Dishes:
- Roasted vegetables
- A green salad
- Garlic bread

Troubleshooting Advice:
- If the puff pastry is not baking evenly, cover the edges with foil to prevent burning.

Food Safety Advice:
- Make sure to store the pithivier in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Make sure to reheat the pithivier thoroughly before serving.

Food History:
Pithivier is a French pastry that originated in the 19th century. It is traditionally made with two circles of puff pastry filled with a sweet or savory filling.

Flavor Profiles:
This pithivier has a savory flavor from the pesto and mozzarella, with a hint of sweetness from the olive oil.

Serving Suggestions:
This pithivier can be served as a main course or as an appetizer. It can also be served as a side dish with a salad or roasted vegetables.

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Taste: Savory, Herby, Rich, Nutty, Creamy