Spinach pastries
Delicious Spinach Pastries: A Treat for All Senses
If you're looking for an appetizer recipe that will impress friends and family, look no further! Spinach pastries are not only a culinary delight but also a healthy choice, packed with nutrients. This recipe combines the crispy texture of the dough with the velvety filling of spinach and cheese, each bite being an explosion of flavors. Let’s begin our culinary journey!
Preparation Time
- Preparation time: 30 minutes
- Rest time: 2 hours
- Baking time: 35 minutes
- Total: 2 hours and 65 minutes
- Number of servings: 12-15 pastries
Ingredients
For the dough:
- 10 tablespoons of oil (preferably olive oil for a richer taste)
- 7 tablespoons of sparkling water (the bubbles will help make the dough fluffier)
- 1 tablespoon of vinegar (helps achieve a flakier texture)
- 1 teaspoon of baking powder (to make the dough rise)
- 200 g of flour (type 000, for a fine texture)
- 1 egg (for brushing)
- Sesame seeds (for decoration, optional)
For the filling:
- 250-300 g of fresh spinach (rich in vitamins and minerals)
- 1 green onion (subtle and crunchy flavor)
- 2 tablespoons of oil (for sautéing)
- 1 egg (to bind the filling)
- 2 tablespoons of sour cream (adds creaminess)
- 3-4 tablespoons of grated cheese (preferably feta or cottage cheese)
- 2-3 tablespoons of breadcrumbs (for texture)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preparing the Dough
1. In a medium bowl, add 3 tablespoons of oil and 2 tablespoons of flour. Place the bowl on medium heat and continuously stir until you achieve a thick sauce. This sauce will give the dough a rich flavor.
2. In a large bowl, add the remaining flour and make a well in the center. Add the sparkling water, remaining oil, vinegar, and baking powder. Knead well until you have a smooth and elastic dough.
3. Roll out the dough into a very thin sheet. Brush it evenly with the oil and flour sauce prepared earlier and carefully roll it up. Cover the roll with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 2 hours.
Step 2: Preparing the Filling
1. In a pan, heat 2 tablespoons of oil. Add the finely chopped green onion and sauté until it becomes slightly transparent.
2. Add the washed and roughly chopped spinach. Cover the pan with a lid and let it wilt, stirring occasionally. Once the spinach has significantly reduced, set it aside to cool.
3. After it has cooled, add the beaten egg, sour cream, grated cheese, breadcrumbs, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix well until you have a homogeneous filling.
Step 3: Forming the Pastries
1. Take the dough out of the fridge and roll it out again into a thin sheet. Cut it into smaller or larger squares, depending on your preference.
2. On each square of dough, add a tablespoon of the spinach filling. Fold the dough to form triangles, sealing the edges well to prevent the filling from leaking during baking.
3. Place the pastries on a greased and floured baking tray. Brush them on top with beaten egg and sprinkle sesame seeds for a crunchy and appetizing look.
Step 4: Baking
1. Preheat the oven to 180°C. Bake the pastries for about 35 minutes or until they turn golden and crispy.
2. Once baked, let them cool slightly before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Spinach pastries can be served warm or cold, making them a versatile appetizer for any occasion. Paired with a fresh vegetable salad or a garlic yogurt sauce, they will surely become the stars of your table. They also make a perfect snack for a party or a picnic.
Personal Note
To add a personal touch, you can experiment with alternative fillings. For example, you can replace spinach with nettles or a combination of cheeses, adding fresh herbs like dill or parsley for an extra flavor boost.
Nutritional Information
- Calories per serving: approximately 150-200 (depending on the size of the pastries and the ingredients used)
- Nutritional benefits: Spinach is rich in vitamins A, C, K and contains essential minerals such as iron and calcium. Cheese provides protein and calcium, while olive oil brings healthy fatty acids.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use frozen spinach?
- Yes, you can use frozen spinach, but make sure to thaw and squeeze it well to remove excess water.
2. How can I make the dough even crispier?
- You can add a bit of melted butter to the dough for a richer taste and texture.
3. What is the best way to store the pastries?
- Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat them in the oven to restore their crispiness.
Spinach pastries are an excellent choice for any occasion, easy to make and incredibly delicious. Try this recipe, customize it to your taste, and enjoy every bite!
Ingredients: Dough: 10 tablespoons oil; 7 tablespoons mineral water; 1 tablespoon vinegar; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 200 g flour; 1 egg for brushing on top; sesame seeds. Filling: 250-300 g fresh spinach; 1 green onion; 2 tablespoons oil; 1 egg; 2 tablespoons sour cream; 3-4 tablespoons grated cheese; 2-3 tablespoons breadcrumbs; salt and pepper to taste.
