A Spinach Stuffed Pastry is a delicious and versatile dish that can work as an appetizer, snack, or even a light main course. Here’s an easy recipe that’s flaky, savory, and packed with flavor.
Spinach Stuffed Pastry Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 sheet of puff pastry (store-bought, thawed if frozen)
- 2 cups fresh spinach (or about 10 oz frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry)
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup feta cheese (crumbled)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 small onion (finely chopped)
- 1-2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for sautéing)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional, enhances the flavor)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley or dill (optional, for extra flavor)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Spinach Filling:
- If using fresh spinach, wash it thoroughly, then sauté it in a pan with olive oil over medium heat until wilted. This should take about 2-3 minutes. Once done, let it cool slightly, then squeeze out any excess moisture. Chop it up finely.
- If using frozen spinach, thaw it and squeeze out the moisture completely before chopping it.
2. Sauté Onion and Garlic:
- In the same pan, heat a little more olive oil and sauté the chopped onion until soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
3. Make the Filling:
- In a bowl, combine the chopped spinach, ricotta cheese, crumbled feta, Parmesan, sautéed onion and garlic, and nutmeg (if using). Stir everything together until well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Prepare the Puff Pastry:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll out the sheet of puff pastry on a lightly floured surface to smooth out any wrinkles.
- Cut the pastry into squares or rectangles (about 4×4 inches or your preferred size).
5. Stuff the Pastry:
- Spoon a generous amount of the spinach mixture into the center of each pastry square.
- Fold the pastry over the filling to create a pocket or triangle, pinching the edges to seal. You can use a fork to crimp the edges for a decorative look.
6. Apply the Egg Wash:
- In a small bowl, beat the egg with a tablespoon of water to make an egg wash.
- Brush the top of each pastry with the egg wash for a golden, shiny finish.
7. Bake:
- Place the stuffed pastries on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the pastries are golden brown and puffed up.
8. Serve:
- Let the spinach stuffed pastries cool for a few minutes before serving. They are perfect on their own, or you can serve them with a dipping sauce like tzatziki or marinara for extra flavor.
Tips:
- You can make these pastries ahead of time and freeze them before baking. Just bake straight from the freezer when ready, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
- For a richer flavor, you can add some grated mozzarella or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- These are also great for meal prep – they can be stored in the fridge for a few days and reheated in the oven.
Enjoy your Spinach Stuffed Pastry—flaky, cheesy, and packed with spinach goodness!