Glazed Mortadella & Pistachio Pesto Roman Pala
Golden, crispy Calda Calda Roman Pala piled high with creamy burrata, smoky honey-glazed BBQ mortadella, pistachio pesto and finished with a generous drizzle of Truffle & Black Garlic Rocking Rāyu. It's the kind of lunch that looks impressive, tastes like an Italian deli special and comes together in just 15 minutes.
The Recipe
Ingredients
- FOR THE PISTACHIO PESTO
- ¾ cup roasted unsalted pistachios, plus extra to garnish
- 1 packed cup fresh basil leaves
- 1 small garlic clove
- ¼ cup finely grated parmesan
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil, plus more if needed
- Sea salt, to taste
- Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
- FOR THE ROMAN PALA
- 1 Calda Calda Roman Pala
- 150g burrata
- 8–10 thin slices mortadella
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp olive oil
- 2–3 tbsp Truffle & Black Garlic Rocking Rāyu
- Freshly cracked black pepper
- Chopped roasted pistachios, to garnish
- Fresh basil leaves, to garnish, optional
Method
- MAKE THE PESTO
- Add the basil, garlic, parmesan and lemon juice to a small food processor.
- With the processor running, slowly drizzle in the extra virgin olive oil until the pesto reaches a thick, spoonable consistency. Add a little more oil if needed.
- Add the roasted pistachios pulse until everything is finely chopped but still has a little texture.
- Season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Set aside while you prepare the remaining ingredients.
- MAKE THE ROMAN PALA
- Cook the Calda Calda Roman Pala according to the packet instructions until hot, golden and crisp around the edges.
- Meanwhile, preheat a BBQ or grill pan over medium-high heat.
- Stir together the honey and olive oil, then lightly brush or toss the mortadella with the mixture.
- Grill the mortadella for approximately 30–60 seconds on each side, or until warmed through with lightly caramelised edges.
- Work in batches if needed so the slices do not overcrowd the grill.
- Place the hot Roman Pala onto a serving board and spread generously with the roasted pistachio pesto.
- Tear the burrata over the pesto, distributing the creamy centre across the pinsa.
- Arrange the warm honey-glazed mortadella over the top.
- Finish with generous spoonfuls of Truffle & Black Garlic Rocking Rāyu, making sure to include plenty of the crunchy pieces.
- Scatter with chopped roasted pistachios, freshly cracked black pepper and fresh basil leaves, if using.
- Slice and serve immediately while the pinsa is still warm and crisp.
Why It Works
Make It Yours
- Add a handful of rocket after cooking for a fresh, peppery finish.
- Replace the burrata with stracciatella, fresh mozzarella or whipped ricotta.
- Add finely grated lemon zest to the pistachio pesto for extra brightness.
- Use pecorino instead of parmesan for a sharper, saltier pesto.
- Add a drizzle of balsamic glaze for another layer of sweetness and acidity.
- Serve it cut into small squares as part of an entertaining spread.
Not A Rulebook
Rāyu FAQ
What is Rāyu?
A crunchy chilli oil made to add heat, texture and deep savoury flavour to almost anything.
How do I use it?
Spoon it over eggs, noodles, rice, dumplings, pizza, BBQ, roast vegetables or anything that needs a savoury lift.
Is it very spicy?
It brings warmth and flavour first. Heat varies by flavour, so start with a little and add more as you go.
Do I need to cook with it?
No. It is ready to spoon straight from the jar, but it also works beautifully stirred into sauces, marinades and dressings.