St Patrick’s Day Recipe: The Happy Pear’s Shamrock Pesto Puff Pastries

Hosting an Irish shindig for St Patrick’s Day on 17 March? We’ve got the perfect recipe for your festivities. Steve and Dave Flynn, the twins behind plant-based food concept The Happy Pear, have shared a recipe for shamrock-shaped pesto puff pastries. ‘They properly tick the box of super tasty, sharing food that is easy to make,’ said the pair. Here’s how to give it a go at home this March.

Why Are Shamrocks Associated With Ireland?

The shamrock is known as the emblem of Ireland, but where does the association come from? Well, according to Irish legend, the three-leaf clover was used by Saint Patrick to explain the Holy Trinity (the Christian belief that God exists as three persons) to non-believers. Across many centuries, though, it has expanded from these religious roots and grown to represent Irish heritage, often viewed as a symbol of good luck.

St Patrick’s Day Recipe: Shamrock Pesto Puff Pastries

• Prep: 10 mins
• Cook: 20 mins in oven
• Makes: 4 large shamrocks (serves 4-6 people)

Ingredients:

• 1 sheet puff pastry 320g
• 1 tub of lovely basil pesto 135g
• 2 tbsp olive oil 

Method:

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 190 degrees Celsius.
2. Prepare the pastry: Roll out the puff pastry sheet and cut off approximately a 2 cm strip from the narrower end and cut out 4 stalks or rectangle shapes that are approximately 8 cm x 1cm.
3. Spread the pesto: Spoon the basil pesto onto the remaining sheet of pastry and spread it out evenly.
4. Roll and cut the pastry: Mark out the middle point on the longer side of the pastry. Roll each end into the middle point, then cut the rolled pastry into 12 even-sized pieces.
5. Assemble the shamrocks: Line a baking tray with parchment paper. Spread out each of the 4 stalks for the 4 shamrocks. Carefully assemble the cut rolled pesto-filled pastry pieces on top of each stalk to create shamrock or 3-leaf clover shapes.
6. Brush with olive oil: Using a pastry brush, brush some olive oil on top of each shamrock.
7. Bake: Place the assembled shamrocks in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes or until golden brown.
8. Serve: Once baked, serve these delightful shamrock pesto puff pastries as a fun and tasty treat to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day!

Recipe by The Happy Pear