These homemade croissant-style rolls are filled with a savory, creamy meat mixture infused with warming spices and herbs. The pastry is buttery and flaky, while the filling offers a comforting blend of protein, aromatic vegetables, and a touch of creaminess that makes each bite irresistible. Inspired by Mediterranean and South Asian flavors, this recipe is perfect for family gatherings, festive brunches, or as a nourishing snack that feels indulgent but can be tailored for wellness.
You can use ground chicken, beef, or lamb depending on your preference, and the filling can be enriched with herbs like thyme, parsley, or even fenugreek for added depth. The pastry can be made from scratch or adapted using store-bought puff pastry or crescent dough for convenience.
🧂 Ingredients:
For the Pastry:
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 cup cold unsalted butter (cut into cubes)
- ½ cup cold water
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
Alternative: Use store-bought puff pastry or crescent roll dough if short on time.
For the Filling:
- 250g ground meat (chicken, beef, or lamb)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil or ghee
- ½ tsp ground cloves (for warmth and digestion)
- 1 bay leaf (removed after cooking)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp paprika or chili flakes (optional)
- ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 2 tbsp cream or thick yogurt (for creaminess)
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley or coriander
- Optional: ¼ cup grated cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
🍳 Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Pastry Dough (if making from scratch)
- In a large bowl, mix flour, salt, and sugar.
- Add cold butter cubes and rub them into the flour using your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add cold water and mix until a dough forms. Do not overwork.
- Wrap the dough in cling film and chill for 30 minutes.
- Roll out the dough into a rectangle, fold into thirds like a letter, and chill again. Repeat this rolling and folding process 2–3 times to create layers.
Step 2: Make the Filling
- Heat olive oil or ghee in a pan over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent.
- Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Add ground meat and cook until browned.
- Stir in ground cloves, bay leaf, black pepper, paprika, and salt.
- Once the meat is cooked and fragrant, remove the bay leaf.
- Stir in cream or yogurt and cook for another 2 minutes until the mixture is creamy but not runny.
- Add herbs and optional cheese. Let the filling cool slightly.
Step 3: Assemble the Rolls
- Preheat oven to 200°C (390°F).
- Roll out the pastry and cut into triangles or rectangles, depending on your preferred shape.
- Place a spoonful of filling near the wide end of each triangle and roll tightly into a croissant shape.
- Place on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
- Brush each roll with beaten egg for a golden finish.
Step 4: Bake
- Bake for 18–22 minutes or until golden brown and flaky.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
🧠 Why It Works:
- Cloves add warmth and digestive support, especially helpful after a rich meal.
- Bay leaf imparts subtle depth and helps reduce bloating.
- Cream or yogurt balances the spices and adds gut-friendly probiotics (if using yogurt).
- Parsley or coriander offer freshness and detoxifying properties.
- Homemade pastry allows control over ingredients, while store-bought options make it accessible.
🧪 Variations & Tips:
- For kids: Use mild spices and add cheese for a familiar flavor.
- For diabetics: Use whole wheat flour and skip sugar in the dough.
- For vegetarians: Replace meat with mashed chickpeas, mushrooms, or paneer.
- For skin health: Add turmeric and fenugreek to the filling.
- For freezing: These rolls freeze beautifully—just reheat in the oven for 10 minutes.