Here’s a recipe for Spinach Stuffed Pastry—a delicious, flaky, and savory treat that’s perfect for a snack, appetizer, or even a light meal.
Ingredients:
- 1 package of puff pastry (typically 2 sheets, thawed if frozen)
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped (or 1 cup frozen spinach, thawed and drained)
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese (use vegan ricotta if preferred)
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional, or use vegan feta)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, or use a vegan version)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for sautéing)
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional, for extra flavor)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash, or use a plant-based egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Spinach Filling:
- Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant.
- Add the spinach to the pan and cook for 3-4 minutes until wilted (if using fresh spinach). If using frozen spinach, ensure it’s fully thawed and squeezed to remove excess water.
- Season the spinach with salt, pepper, and nutmeg, then remove from heat and let it cool for a few minutes.
- In a bowl, mix the sautéed spinach with ricotta cheese, feta (if using), and Parmesan. Stir until combined.
- Prepare the Puff Pastry:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll out the puff pastry sheets on a lightly floured surface to smooth any creases.
- Cut each sheet into squares or rectangles, depending on the size you want for your stuffed pastries (about 4-inch squares or 6-inch rectangles works well).
- Stuff the Pastry:
- Spoon a generous amount of the spinach mixture into the center of each pastry square or rectangle, leaving a border around the edges.
- Fold the pastry over the filling to create a triangle or rectangle shape (like an envelope or turnover), and press the edges together to seal. You can use a fork to crimp the edges for a more decorative look.
- Brush with Egg Wash:
- If using an egg wash, brush the top of each pastry with the beaten egg. For a vegan option, brush with a little plant-based milk or a mixture of water and olive oil.
- Sprinkle sesame seeds on top (optional) for extra crunch and visual appeal.
- Bake the Pastry:
- Place the stuffed pastries on the prepared baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden and crispy.
- Serve:
- Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy these flaky, savory spinach pastries warm!
Tips:
- Make ahead: You can prepare the stuffed pastries ahead of time and freeze them before baking. Just pop them in the oven directly from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes of baking time.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or some chopped fresh herbs like dill, basil, or parsley to the filling for an extra burst of flavor.
These spinach stuffed pastries are so versatile and delicious! You can even make them mini-sized for appetizers or party snacks. Enjoy!