
Savory Herb and Olive Spelt Rolls with Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto
Delight in these savory herb and olive spelt rolls, paired with homemade sun-dried tomato pesto. Perfect for a nutritious and flavorful bread experience!
Recipe Overview
Delight in these savory herb and olive spelt rolls, paired with homemade sun-dried tomato pesto. Perfect for a nutritious and flavorful bread experience!
Ingredients
- • spelt flour: 3 cups
- • active dry yeast: 2 1/4 teaspoons
- • warm water: 1 cup (110°F/45°C)
- • extra virgin olive oil: 2 tablespoons
- • honey: 1 tablespoon
- • salt: 1 teaspoon
- • fresh rosemary, chopped: 1 tablespoon
- • fresh thyme, chopped: 1 tablespoon
- • kalamata olives, pitted and chopped: 1/2 cup
- • sun-dried tomatoes, packed in oil: 1/2 cup
- • garlic cloves: 2
- • pine nuts: 1/4 cup
- • Parmesan cheese, grated: 1/4 cup
- • lemon juice: 1 tablespoon
- • black pepper: to taste

Instructions
- 1 In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, yeast, and honey. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5 minutes, until it becomes frothy.
- 2 Add the spelt flour, olive oil, and salt to the yeast mixture. Mix until a sticky dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- 3 Incorporate the chopped rosemary, thyme, and olives into the dough, ensuring they are evenly distributed. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- 4 Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Punch down the dough and divide it into 8 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a roll and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- 5 For the sun-dried tomato pesto, blend the sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and lemon juice in a food processor. Slowly add the oil from the sun-dried tomatoes, blending until you achieve a smooth consistency. Season with black pepper to taste.
- 6 Bake the rolls in the preheated oven for 25 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from the oven and allow them to cool slightly before serving with the sun-dried tomato pesto.
Serving Suggestions
- • These savory spelt rolls are perfect for a Mediterranean-inspired meal. Serve them alongside a fresh Greek salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, feta cheese, and a drizzle of olive oil. For a hearty main course, pair the rolls with grilled chicken or a roasted vegetable platter. The sun-dried tomato pesto can also be used as a delicious dip or spread on sandwiches, adding a burst of flavor to any dish. Complement your meal with a glass of chilled white wine or a refreshing iced herbal tea for a perfect dining experience.
Storage Tips
Store any leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the rolls by wrapping them individually in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer bag. They will keep well for up to 3 months. To enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature and reheat in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10 minutes. The sun-dried tomato pesto can be stored in the refrigerator in a sealed container for up to a week. Ensure the top is covered with a thin layer of olive oil to maintain freshness.