One of the best things about is that it is versatile. You can add various toppings to it, and it pairs well with a range of dips and spreads. One such topping is pesto.
Pesto is a sauce that originated in Genoa, Italy. It is made with fresh basil, pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil. The sauce has a bright, herbaceous flavor that perfectly complements the slightly salty flavor of focaccia. There are different pesto variations that you can use to amp up the flavor of your focaccia. Here are three variations that you must try:
1. Classic Pesto
The classic pesto is the classic that you can never go wrong with. It is the most traditional pesto recipe that has a nutty, rich, and fragrant taste with a creamy texture. To make this pesto, you need fresh basil leaves, pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil. You can add salt and pepper to taste. When making pesto, it is essential to pulse the ingredients in a food processor and not overblend them. Overmixing can alter the texture of the pesto.
To serve the classic pesto with focaccia, simply spread a generous amount on top of the bread, and garnish with a few basil leaves.
2. Roasted Red Pepper Pesto
For a more colorful and flavorful variation, try making roasted red pepper pesto. As the name suggests, this pesto is made with roasted red peppers, which give it a creamy, smoky flavor. To make this pesto, you will need roasted red peppers, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, garlic, and olive oil. You can also add some sun-dried tomatoes or red pepper flakes to add a little kick to the pesto.
To serve roasted red pepper pesto with focaccia, spread the pesto over the bread and sprinkle some Parmesan cheese on top.
3. Sun-dried Tomato Pesto
Another popular pesto variation is the sun-dried tomato pesto. This pesto has a tangy, sweet, and slightly tart flavor that pairs well with focaccia’s savory taste. To make sun-dried tomato pesto, you will need sun-dried tomatoes, pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan cheese, olive oil, and fresh basil leaves. You can also add some lemon juice to brighten the flavor of the pesto.
To serve sun-dried tomato pesto with focaccia, spread a generous amount of the pesto on top of the bread and garnish with some chopped basil leaves.
In conclusion, focaccia is a delicious bread that pairs well with an array of dips, spreads, and toppings. One of the best toppings to pair with focaccia is pesto. There are several pesto variations that you can use to add a little variety to your bread. The classic pesto, roasted red pepper pesto, and sun-dried tomato pesto are just a few that can elevate any focaccia dish, making it more flavorful, colorful, and appealing.