Savory Puff Pastry with Minced Meat and Cheese

Ingredients

For the Filling:

• 1 lb ground beef (or lamb/turkey)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp cumin
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• ½ cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

For the Pastry:

• 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed if frozen)
• 1 egg (for egg wash)
• 1 tbsp sesame seeds or nigella seeds (optional for topping)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Filling:
   • Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
   • Sauté onions until translucent, then add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
   • Add ground meat and cook until browned.
   • Stir in paprika, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper.
   • Add tomato paste, mix well, and cook for another 2 minutes.
   • Remove from heat, let cool slightly, and stir in cheese and parsley.
2. Prepare the Pastry:
   • Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
   • Roll out puff pastry on a lightly floured surface.
   • Cut into squares or rectangles, depending on your preferred size.
3. Assemble:
   • Place a spoonful of the meat mixture in the center of each pastry square.
   • Fold the pastry over to create a triangle or rectangle and seal the edges with a fork.
   • Brush the tops with beaten egg and sprinkle with sesame or nigella seeds.
4. Bake:
   • Place pastries on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
   • Bake for 20-25 minutes, until golden brown and puffed.
5. Serve:
   • Let cool for a few minutes, then enjoy warm. Great with a yogurt dip or simple salad!

Want to add a spicy twist or maybe a veggie version too?