Basil Pesto Damper Rolls

Bread making doesn’t come naturally to me and I need to be really inspired to be able to make my own bread. Yesterday, when I came across Lauzan’s (from The Veggy Side of Me) “exotic pesto dressing” I couldn’t get it out of my head. I knew that it would haunt me in my dreams if I didn’t try it soon enough! Lo and behold, I got out my blender to make it just in time for dinner. This has to be the most delicious pesto I’ve ever eaten without having to use any cheese!

My hubby is not a big fan of cheese (Yea i know, what’s wrong with him, doesn’t like cheese, chocolate !!) and this basil pesto would be just perfect for him I thought. To accompany this gorgeous pesto, I decided to make bread.  I wanted to make a bread that is easy and quick without having to use yeast. A few weeks back, a friend of mine had shown me how to make damper bread. Not only is it super easy to make, it tastes quite delightful. Damper is a traditional Australian soda bread. I learnt from her that this bread was originally made by stockmen who traveled from one place to another for work. They would cook this bread in the ashes of camp fire. I reckon very much similar to “Baati” as in Baati Chowkha. Quite intriguing!

I made these into pesto rolls and they were delicious to say the least! My hubby asked me today morning if there were any leftovers… 😉

The bread recipe has been inspired from http://www.taste.com.au

To find out the magic PESTO recipe hop on over to Lauzan’s space!.

Ingredients :
35 g sesame seeds
150 g wholemeal flour
150 g all purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
3 tsp baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
120 ml milk
60 g plain yoghurt
1 tablespoon extra milk or water

Instructions :

Preheat the oven to 200°C. Lightly flour a baking tray with some flour.

Roast the sesame seeds and keep aside.

Sift the flours and salt into a large mixing bowl, returning the bran to the bowl. Stir in the toasted sesame seeds.

Make a well in the centre and add milk and yoghurt. Mix quickly and lightly with a fork until combined. Bring dough together with your fingertips and turn onto a lightly floured surface. Knead gently with floured hands and form into a ball.

Use a lightly floured rolling pin to roll out the dough to a 30 x 40cm rectangle, about 1cm-thick. Spread the basil pesto evenly over the dough. Starting from a long side, roll up firmly to form a log. Cut log crossways into equal portions, about 2cm thick. Place the scrolls on prepared tray. Bake in oven for 20 minutes or until golden brown and just cooked through. Set aside for 10 minutes to cool slightly.

Serve warm or at room temperature.

I made small buns out of the leftover dough.. 🙂

Bon Apetit!