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You are here: Home / Recipes / Baking (savoury) / Perfect palmiers with pistounade from Provence

Perfect palmiers with pistounade from Provence

by Jeanne Horak on September 26, 2011 29 Comments in Baking (savoury), Canapés, Recipes, Vegetarian

SavouryPalmiers © J Horak-Druiff 2013

 

Hyperbole.  Litotes.  Alliteration. Onomatopeoia. Pun.  Oxymoron.

Hands up – who knows which of the above literary devices I used in the title to this post?  You see, despite this glossy facade of food bloggerness which you see before you, deep down I am just a language nerd.  Case in point:  I have been going through some of my  very old posts and renaming them lately, and I am mortified at all the silliness that used to go on my post titles.  “Wish I’d FIGured this one out myself” for a roasted fig salad.  “Gnocchi, gnocchi – who’s there“? for a dish of browned butter and sage gnocchi.  “Muscling in on Kent” for a review of a Belgian restaurant.  The cringeworthy list continues. And it appears that old habits die hard because here I am at it again – evidently I’m like a moth to the flame of literary devices.  But it was just too good to resist!  If life gives you pistouande from Provence (the Vaucluse to be exact), how can you NOT make perfect palmiers?

 

PistouandePalmiersCollage1

 

If you have ever been to Provence (and if not, I highly recommend that you go ASAP!), you will probably have come across pistou.  Both the word and the dish have been adopted from neighbouring Italy where it is better known as pesto.  But unlike Italian pesto genovese which is made with basil, pine nuts and cheese, in Provence the pistou generally made with olive oil, basil, and garlic only.  Cheese is sometimes added, but no nuts are included. Pistou is most often used in the typical soupe au pistou, a hearty vegetable soup with a dollop of pistou added before serving to infuse the soup with the fresh basil flavour.  Another ubiquitous treat in Provence is tapenade.  The word itself actually comes from the Provencal word for capers, which is tapenas, and the dish consists of finely chopped or crushed olives and capers, mixed with olive oil to form a paste.  It is usually served with bread as an appetiser and is one of my favourite things ever.

Vaucluse is one of the departments within the French region of Provence, occupying its north-west corner and bordered by the Rhone River to the west. The department is also home to the historic city of Avignon, established by the Celts in pre-Roman times and, for about 70 years in the 1300s, the temporary seat of the Roman Catholic papacy. Vast quantities of fruit and vegetables are cultivated in the lower-lying parts of the department, on one of the most fertile plains in southern France, making it something of a foodie paradise.  So I was understandably excited when the lovely folks at Vaucluse Tourist Board asked me whether I would like a couple of typical Vaucluse ingredients to cook with. Mais oui!

 

PistounadePalmiersCollage2

One of the items I received was a tub of Pistounade au basilic de Provence from Delices du Luberons.  The name derives from an amalgamation of pistou and tapenade – which is pretty much what this is:  a paste of basil and green olives.  It has a lovely fresh basil taste with the tang of olives and is less salty that a basil pesto would be (because the lack of Parmesan cheese).  It also seems less oily than most commercially available pestos.  Of course, the next dilemma was what to make?  I wanted something in keeping with the pistounade’s French roots so in the end I settled on savoury palmiers.  These pretty rolled puff-pastry treats originated in France around the turn of the 19th century but are popular all over Europe.  Also known as pigs’ or elephants’ ears, they are usually sweet but make fantastic savoury snacks too.

Thye are absolutely no trouble at all to make and can be made ahead and frozen, ready to slice and bake when your guests arrive.  And I can guarantee you they will FLY off the plate faster that you can say perfect palmiers with pistounade from Provence!

DISCLOSURE:  The Pistounade was a free sample sent to me by the Vaucluse Tourist Board.

 

PistounadePalmiersCollage3

PISTOUNADE PALMIERS (makes about 30)

Ingredients:
1 roll of ready made puff pastry
About 100g Pistounade (or pesto)
4 Tbsp grated Pecorino cheese

Method:

Remove the pastry from the fridge about 10 minutes before using.  Unroll the pastry onto a piece of clingfilm – it should be about long and 25cm wide.

Lightly mark the centre point of the long side of the pastry.  Spread the Pistounade evenly over the whole piece of pastry – try not to get too much of the oil onto the pastry, more of the green paste itself.  Sprinkle the cheese evenly over the pistounade.

One at a time, from each short edge, carefuly roll up the pastry to the centrepoint – the two rolls should meet in the middle and be of equal size.  Carefully wrap the entire double roll in clingfilm and place in the freezer for 30 minutes.  (if you are making the roll well in advance, refrigerate it but then put it in the freezer for 30 mins before slicing).

When ready to bake, pre-heat the oven to 200C and remove the pastry roll from the freezer.  Slice in 1/2cm thick slices and lay the slices out on an ungreased baking sheet, leaving space in betweenfor expansion. Bake in the pre-heated oven for about 10-15 minutes or until puffy and golden.  Serve hot with drinks.

Variations:  instead of pistounade, try sun-dried tomato pesto, basil pesto or black olive tapenade.  You can also use just or finely grated hard cheese, but moisten the pastry with a little olive oil or water first so that the cheese sticks to the pastry while rolling.

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  1. Calypso Bay says

    September 26, 2011 at 2:45 pm

    This is a great recipe. I never tasted this yet.

    Reply
  2. rebecca says

    September 26, 2011 at 2:50 pm

    oh these look divine love Provence

    Reply
  3. Colleen says

    September 26, 2011 at 3:02 pm

    Oooooh Don would love you forever if you gave him pigs ears 🙂 His all time favourite pastry snack! What a delightful savoury snack. Love the idea of the pistounade! I make a pastry pinwheel with red pepper pesto and finely chopped fried bacon…also most delicious! Absolutely love your photos, especially the top one. Hugs xx

    Reply
  4. Kit says

    September 26, 2011 at 3:29 pm

    They look seriously impressive too!
    I know what you mean about clever titles – I also have a weakness for playing with words – except it’s not seo friendly – pity the search engines don’t have a similar sense of humour!

    Reply
  5. Kavey says

    September 26, 2011 at 3:42 pm

    I like punny titles … as long as I have a clue what the subject matter is (because although I always read posts at the original sites, I navigate to them via my RSS reader and I only click to open those with titles that appeal, as I have too many blog subscriptions to read every single post). But punny titles are fun and, what’s more, one of the nice personal touches that differentiate a blog from an impersonal newspaper or magazine!
    PS LOVE how simple this recipe is!

    Reply
  6. Ishay says

    September 26, 2011 at 8:52 pm

    I do like the look of these and am such a sucker for puff. A very elegant savoury snack indeed.

    Reply
  7. ninatimm says

    September 26, 2011 at 9:20 pm

    Lovely, lovely idea Jeanne!

    Reply
  8. arcadia says

    September 27, 2011 at 6:45 am

    Dit lyk pragtig! Sommer klaar gebookmark.

    Reply
  9. Bron says

    September 27, 2011 at 6:46 am

    I don’t have anything clever to say, but I would very much like to visit Provence and/or eat these perfect palmiers with pistounade.
    Mmm yes.. preferably both!

    Reply
  10. Angela says

    September 27, 2011 at 7:03 am

    You have so perfectly described the place where I live! I am about 20 mins from Avignon. I have never heard of pistounade, it must be a new invention and the French don’t normally venture into new culinary territory but it makes perfect sense. These look delicious and I can’t wait to try them for one of my ‘filles de mardis’ evenings to enjoy with an ‘apero’. Merci

    Reply
  11. Móna Wise says

    September 27, 2011 at 8:17 am

    I did not know you were a language nerd Jeanne and love that you are. I could tale some of your lead there and go back and rename a lot of my posts. I know one of them is titled ‘I wipe bums for a living’ . ….. hopefully that one is about kids and not a recipe :0)
    I also had never heard of a pistounade but yours looks like it is worth a shot.
    Glad you had a nice holiday, welcome back!

    Reply
  12. Sarah, Maison Cupcake says

    September 27, 2011 at 9:33 am

    I’m not sure what to be more mournful about, that I didn’t get to eat one of these or that I’m not in Provence right at this second. Sigh, back to the grindstone…

    Reply
  13. Rosa says

    September 27, 2011 at 10:13 am

    They look so pretty and tempting!
    Cheers,
    Rosa

    Reply
  14. Ailbhe says

    September 27, 2011 at 10:15 am

    They look lovely Jeanne, all I need is a glass of a chilled rosé and I’d be back there. Had a week in Saignon near Apt and it was brilliant. Some great meals and delicious produce and the markets.. fantastiques!

    Reply
  15. Eggs on the Roof says

    September 27, 2011 at 10:41 am

    Actually, I rather like the ‘gnocchi gnocchi’ joke! And alliteration is always a winner, as are the glorious-looking biscuits. Perfect for Christmas I think…

    Reply
  16. Jamie says

    September 27, 2011 at 11:31 am

    he he he I kinda like your nerdy titles. And I love palmiers and love pesto or pistou when it is wrapped like this. I made something similar recently though they did not come out as perfect and pretty as yours… But I did once make savory swirl buns with pesto. Oh, the possibilities are endless! Now back to the drawing board…

    Reply
  17. Sanjeeta kk says

    September 27, 2011 at 11:32 am

    The Palmiers look perfect..how easy it gets when you have ready to use puff pastry and the lovely filling also!

    Reply
  18. Virginia says

    September 27, 2011 at 11:45 am

    Goodness they look good! And nice and simple to make. I think I need to investigate pistounade for The Good Fork’s deli-boxes.
    What a lovely recipe for a bit of September sunshine….

    Reply
  19. thelittleloaf says

    September 27, 2011 at 1:34 pm

    These look so beautiful! And not too tricky to make…perfect for the last few days of September sunshine 🙂

    Reply
  20. Firefly says

    September 27, 2011 at 3:19 pm

    This is so simple yet always make for a great snack, doesn’t matter what filling you use

    Reply
  21. Gourmet Chick says

    September 27, 2011 at 3:47 pm

    Everyone loves a good word pun don’t worry. I love the top photograph – just stunning. They look delicious.

    Reply
  22. Rossella says

    September 27, 2011 at 5:21 pm

    They are really perfect. I’ve never reached that level of perfection in the shape!

    Reply
  23. Simone says

    September 27, 2011 at 9:16 pm

    They look really pretty Jeanne! I hope you feel better in the meantime. Too bad we missed seeing eachother this weekend! Would have been nice to meet again… (o and I love your little play with words!)

    Reply
  24. Barbara says

    September 27, 2011 at 11:31 pm

    Gorgeous Jeanne. I have made these with vegemite – making them a true Aussie snack. But I must confess I do prefer the original with sugar. I love the gnocchi gnocchi joke too.

    Reply
  25. Robyn says

    September 28, 2011 at 7:36 am

    Oh my word, these look amazing! perfect palmiers indeed

    Reply
  26. Dubai says

    September 28, 2011 at 7:58 am

    That look so delicious. Palmier is also called as elephant ear,which come in a palm shape or a butterfly shape. That’s so perfect !

    Reply
  27. Meeta says

    September 28, 2011 at 3:44 pm

    Simple, delicious and easy to throw together. I usually make pinwheels with all sorts of pestos, which is always a hit with guest. And a language nerd ha! BORG!

    Reply
  28. Sylvie @ Gourmande in the Kitchen says

    October 5, 2011 at 3:01 am

    Oh lucky you to get such a nice package, pistou is so wonderful! You found a magnificent use for it in these palmiers. I’m keeping this in mind for the holidays, I always need some good appetizer ideas.

    Reply
  29. Christie-Anne Wolmarans says

    December 9, 2011 at 7:49 am

    Made them last night, had such a struggle as I bought butter puff pastry and I did not drain the oil from the pesto…but it was still yummy though!

    Reply
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Jeanne Horak is a freelance food and travel writer; recipe developer and photographer. South African by birth and Londoner by choice, Jeanne has been writing about food and travel on Cooksister since 2004. She is a popular speaker on food photography and writing has also contributed articles, recipes and photos to a number of online and print publications. Jeanne has also worked with a number of destination marketers to promote their city or region. Please get in touch to work with her Read More…

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