- For The Bread:
- 240ml warm water
- 7g sachet fast-action dried yeast
- 340g bread flour, plus extra for dusting
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- For The Filling:
- 210g green or red pesto, purchases or homemade
- 2 tbsp grated parmesan
STEP 1
Place warm water in the bowl of your stand mixer fitted with the dough hook (if using a stand mixer) and sprinkle yeast over top and let sit for 10 minutes
STEP 2
Add the flour, oil, and salt and turn the mixer to low. Knead the dough for 5 minutes until smooth and elastic - after about 2 minutes, the dough should completely clean the bottom and sides of the bowl. If it does not, add additional flour, one spoonful at a time until it does
STEP 3
Form the dough into a smooth ball and transfer to a lightly greased bowl and leave to rise for 1 hour, or until doubled in size
STEP 4
Preheat oven to 220C / 200C fan / gas mark 7 / 425F
STEP 5
Lightly flour your work surface and tip the dough onto it. Gently stretch and elongate your dough round
STEP 6
Roll into a rectangle 45cm x 30cm
STEP 7
Spoon the pesto over top and spreading evenly, leaving a clean 1cm border around the edges of the dough
STEP 8
Roll the long side of the dough towards you and pinch the seam closed and transfer to a baking sheet lined with baking paper or dusted with flour
STEP 9
Cut the dough in half down the length of the dough and pinch the top ends together
STEP 10
Working quickly, braid the two pieces, trying to keep the pieces twisted so the cut ends remain on top (this is what gives the braid a showstopping look)
STEP 11
When you get to the bottom, pinch the ends together and wrap into a wreath
STEP 12
Transfer to your baking sheet and let rest for 30 minutes
STEP 13
Top with grated parmesan and bake for 25 minutes or until golden brown. Once cooked, remove from oven and allow to cool slightly before slicing and serving
Products used to make this recipe
Swan Retro Scale
Measure a whole variety of ingredients for baking and cooking with the Swan Retro Mechanical Scale. With an 8kg capacity there is plenty of space to weigh even a large…
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Swan 800W Retro Stand Mixer
If you love baking, you'll love the Swan Retro 800W stand mixer. Featuring a powerful 800W power output, 8 variable speeds and pulse function, and a simple rotary switch control…
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