Whole Wheat Pull-Apart Bread with Indian-Spiced Pesto

2 hours 15 minutes

727 reads

4.73 from 11 votes

About Whole Wheat Pull-Apart Bread with Indian-Spiced Pesto

Imagine warm, fragrant bread, each pull-apart piece infused with the vibrant flavors of Indian-spiced pesto. This Whole Wheat Pull-Apart Bread is more than just a side—it's a showstopping centerpiece for any meal, from a casual brunch to a cozy weeknight dinner.
This eggless, whole wheat loaf offers a delightful contrast of textures: soft and fluffy on the inside, with a satisfying crunch on the outside thanks to flax and sesame seeds. The homemade pesto, bursting with aromatic spices, elevates this bread to a whole new level of deliciousness.
Whether you enjoy it warm from the oven or at room temperature, this wholesome and flavorful pull-apart bread is guaranteed to impress your guests and leave them wanting more.
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Recipe Time & More

Prep15 minutes
Cook2 hours
Total2 hours 15 minutes
Calories452 kcal
Serves2

Ingredients
 

Dough

Indian-Spiced Pesto

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Instructions
 

  • Combine the cilantro, mint leaves, and garlic in a food processor.
  • Add the olive oil and salt. Pulse until a paste forms, but avoid over-processing. We want a textured pesto, not a purée.
  • Transfer the pesto to a bowl. Stir in the flax seeds and black sesame seeds. Set aside.
  • Lightly grease a large bowl with butter or oil. This will prevent the dough from sticking as it rises.
  • In a separate bowl, combine the whole wheat flour, salt, instant dry yeast, and sugar.
  • Gradually add the lukewarm water to the dry ingredients, mixing until a shaggy dough forms.
  • Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for 7-10 minutes, incorporating the melted butter gradually. Kneading develops the gluten, resulting in a soft, airy bread.
  • Place the kneaded dough in the greased bowl, turning to coat. Cover the bowl with a damp cloth or plastic wrap. Let the dough rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
  • Punch down the risen dough to release the air. Knead lightly for another 5 minutes on a lightly floured surface.
  • Roll out the dough into a thick circle. Spread the Indian-spiced pesto evenly over the surface, leaving a 1/2-inch border.
    Whole Wheat Pull-Apart Bread with Indian-Spiced Pesto - Plattershare - Recipes, food stories and food lovers
  • Tightly roll the dough into a log. Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut the log into equal pieces.
    Whole Wheat Pull-Apart Bread with Indian-Spiced Pesto - Plattershare - Recipes, food stories and food lovers
  • Arrange the rolls in a greased baking tin or tray. Cover and let them rise again in a warm place for about 30 minutes.
    Whole Wheat Pull-Apart Bread with Indian-Spiced Pesto - Plattershare - Recipes, food stories and food lovers
  • Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
  • Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
    Whole Wheat Pull-Apart Bread with Indian-Spiced Pesto - Plattershare - Recipes, food stories and food lovers
  • Brush the warm bread with melted butter for a beautiful glaze. Serve warm or at room temperature.
    Whole Wheat Pull-Apart Bread with Indian-Spiced Pesto - Plattershare - Recipes, food stories and food lovers

Recipe Notes

Good To Know

  • Water used for proofing and kneading should be lukewarm, not hot, as hot water kills the yeast.
  • Knead the dough for a good 10 minutes to ensure it's soft and all ingredients are properly mixed.
  • If the dough is too sticky, incorporate extra softened butter slowly, but avoid adding extra flour.
  • Dough rises faster in summer than in winter or monsoon season. It should double in size, which might take 30-40 minutes in summer.
  • You can add grated cheese along with the pesto paste when rolling and spreading.
  • For extra flavor, add 2 teaspoons of fine garlic paste to the dough after the first proofing, kneading it in lightly.
  • Himalayan pink salt, table salt, or coarse sea salt can be used in the pesto spread.
  • Nuts like pine nuts or walnuts can be added to the pesto before grinding in the seeds.
  • Olive oil can be substituted for softened butter when kneading the dough.

Expert Tips

  • For a richer flavor, consider adding a sourdough starter to the dough. This will give the bread a tangy complexity and a chewier texture.
  • Experiment with different types of seeds in the pesto. Sunflower, pumpkin, or even hemp seeds can add unique flavors and textures.
  • If using fresh herbs in your pesto, blanch them briefly in boiling water before blending. This will preserve their vibrant green color and prevent browning.

Storage Instructions

  • Store leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, slice and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw slices at room temperature or toast them directly from frozen.

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4.73 from 11 votes

Recipe Nutrition

Calories: 452kcalCarbohydrates: 47gProtein: 6gFat: 26gPolyunsaturated Fat: 7.8gMonounsaturated Fat: 15.6gSodium: 1140mgFiber: 2gSugar: 1g

Vidya Narayan
Vidya Narayan

Hi Everyone, I am Vidya Narayan & Welcome to my blog MasalaChilli. Born in a Traditional Palakkad Iyer (South Indian) Family with strong value systems to an exceptionally strong and independent Single Mom, spent most of my childhood studying well (as most Iyer girls do).

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4.73 from 11 votes

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