Spinach Stuffed Pastry is a delicious and crispy baked treat filled with a flavorful mixture of spinach, cheese, and aromatic spices. Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or even a light dinner, this dish combines the goodness of leafy greens with the irresistible crunch of golden-brown pastry. Whether served as an appetizer or enjoyed on its own, this recipe is sure to impress. Let’s dive into the process of making this delightful dish.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups fresh spinach (chopped)
- 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed if frozen)
- ½ cup feta cheese (crumbled)
- ½ cup mozzarella cheese (shredded)
- 1 small onion (finely chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon red chili flakes (optional)
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish, optional)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Filling: Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until it turns translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Cook the Spinach: Add the chopped spinach to the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes until wilted. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
- Mix the Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked spinach mixture with crumbled feta cheese, shredded mozzarella, black pepper, salt, red chili flakes, dried oregano, and nutmeg. Mix well to ensure all the ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Prepare the Pastry: Roll out the puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface. Cut it into equal-sized squares or rectangles, depending on the desired shape of your pastries.
- Fill the Pastry: Place a spoonful of the spinach mixture in the center of each pastry piece. Be careful not to overfill, as this may cause the filling to spill out during baking.
- Seal the Edges: Fold the pastry over the filling to form a triangle or rectangle, depending on the cut. Press the edges firmly using a fork to seal the pastry properly.
- Apply Egg Wash: Brush the top of each pastry with the beaten egg to give it a golden, shiny finish when baked. Sprinkle sesame seeds on top for added crunch and visual appeal.
- Bake the Pastries: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the stuffed pastries on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 18-22 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the pastries from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy them warm with a side of yogurt dip or a refreshing salad.