Refer to these instructions on how to prepare a delicious bread with basil pesto. For the pesto, you’ll need 30g basil leaves, 20g flat leaf parsley, 30g Parmesan cheese, 2 tbsp of toasted pine nuts, 3 cloves of garlic and 4 tbsp of olive oil along with sea salt and black pepper to taste. The dough requires 14g dried yeast, 90ml warm water, 10g sugar, and 110g bread flour for the initial portion. The second portion calls for an addition of 240ml warm water, 110g olive oil, 20g sugar, 10g salt, 430g bread flour and 250ml premium olive oil for coating. Finally, basil pesto, 200ml water, and 10g fine sea salt complete your ingredients list.
Start by creating the pesto. Combine basil, parsley, Parmesan, pine nuts, garlic and olive oil in a blender, season to taste with salt and pepper. Blend until relatively smooth then put to one side.
Preheat your oven at 200°C.
Prepare the first portion of the dough by gathering all the necessary ingredients in a mixer and using the dough hook attachment for about five minutes on medium speed. Let the mixed dough rest under a damp cloth in a warm location until it doubles in size.
Incorporate the ingredients for the next portion of the dough after it has doubled and mix at high speed for another 10 minutes or until you see the dough hook has picked up all the dough from the sides of the bowl.
Prepare a rectangular metal baking tray by pouring in the 250 ml olive oil. Roll the dough in the oil, making sure it reaches all corners of the tray, and let it rest covered with a damp cloth in a warm spot. It should double in size and become smooth and slightly dome-shaped in about 45 minutes’ time.
Top the risen dough evenly with the prepared pesto using a spoon, smoothing it over the dough. Its then all set to be baked in your preheated oven.
Incorporate the 10g of fine sea salt into the water by whisking it. Make sure to jab your fingertip down into the dough to form holes, ensuring they reach the base of the tray and are evenly dispersed. Pour the salty water over the dough, filling up the holes. Proceed to bake your creation for 25-30 minutes at a temperature of 200 degrees. The end result should be a dark brown, crispy delight.