Snails with spinach and cheese

Spinach and cheese spirals - a savory recipe that combines the tenderness of the dough with a nutrient-rich and flavorful filling. These delicious spirals are perfect as an appetizer, snack, or even as a main course, making them an excellent choice for a family meal or a party with friends.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Rising time: 1 hour
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 50 minutes
Number of servings: 8

The history of this recipe is lost in the mists of time, but it is clear that filled dough dishes have been appreciated across generations. Their origins are often linked to culinary traditions that combine simple yet nutritious ingredients, resulting in a nourishing and tasty meal.

Ingredients
For the dough:
- 500 g flour
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 3 tablespoons ground seeds (flax, millet, sesame)
- 200 ml milk (lightly warmed)
- 25 g fresh yeast
- 100 g butter (melted and slightly cooled)

For the filling:
- 500 g spinach (fresh)
- 50 g butter (for sautéing the spinach)
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 2 garlic cloves (sliced)
- salt and pepper (to taste)
- 500 g cheese (cottage cheese or feta cheese)
- 1 bunch dill (chopped)
- 2 eggs (beaten)
- 1 teaspoon nutmeg (for flavor)

Extra:
- 1 egg (for brushing)
- seeds (caraway, sesame, poppy, millet, sunflower seeds) for sprinkling on top

Preparation

1. Preparing the dough
Start by lightly warming the milk so that it is lukewarm but not hot. Add the yeast to the warm milk and stir gently until fully dissolved. This step is crucial, as the activated yeast will make the dough rise beautifully.

In a large bowl, sift the flour and add the salt and ground seeds. It is important to sift the flour to avoid lumps and achieve a fluffier dough.

Add the milk with the yeast and the melted butter to the flour mixture. Knead the dough for about 10 minutes until it becomes elastic and pulls away from your hands. If you find the dough too sticky, add a little flour, but be careful not to overdo it. Once the dough is kneaded, cover it with a clean towel and let it rise for 1 hour in a warm place until it doubles in volume.

2. Preparing the filling
While the dough is rising, you can prepare the filling. In a skillet or wok, add the butter and oil and let them heat over medium heat. Add the sliced garlic and sauté until golden, then remove from the pan. This will flavor the oil, giving the filling a special taste.

Add the washed and well-dried spinach to the pan and sauté until it wilts, but without turning it into a puree. Aim for a slightly soft texture, but not mushy. Once cooled, add the cheese, dill, eggs, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Mix well until you obtain a homogeneous mixture.

3. Forming the spirals
When the dough has risen, take it out onto the work surface and divide it into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a rectangle about 5 mm thick. Place the spinach and cheese filling on each sheet, ensuring it is evenly distributed. You can divide the filling evenly before you start rolling out the dough to ensure each spiral has the same amount of filling.

Roll the dough carefully, making sure to pinch the ends so that the filling does not escape. Place each spiral on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Continue until you finish all the pieces of dough and filling.

4. Baking
Beat an egg lightly and brush the spirals with it, then sprinkle your preferred seeds on top. This step not only enhances the appearance but also provides a crunchy texture. Preheat the oven to 180°C and bake the spirals for about 30 minutes or until golden and fluffy.

Serving and variations
The spinach and cheese spirals can be served warm or at room temperature. A delicious idea would be to accompany them with a garlic yogurt sauce or a fresh salad to balance the rich taste of the filling.

If you want to experiment, you can also add other ingredients to the filling, such as sautéed mushrooms, olives, or even a few slices of sun-dried tomatoes for an extra flavor boost.

Calories and nutritional benefits
These spirals are an excellent source of protein due to the cheese and eggs, while spinach provides a wealth of essential vitamins and minerals. Although the recipe includes butter and milk, you can adapt the ingredients to reduce calories by using olive oil and light cheese. A serving of spirals (about 2-3 pieces) can contain around 350-400 calories, depending on the exact ingredients used.

Frequently asked questions
- How do I know if the dough has risen enough?
The dough is ready when it has doubled in volume and has a fluffy texture.

- Can I use frozen spinach?
Yes, but make sure to thaw and dry it well to avoid excess water in the filling.

- How can I make the spirals lower in calories?
You can use low-fat cheese and reduce the amount of butter in the dough.

Now it's time to get cooking! This dish is not only delicious and comforting, but it will also bring a touch of joy to your table. Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: Dough-500g flour-2 teaspoons salt-3 tablespoons ground seeds (flax, millet, sesame)-200ml milk-25g yeast-100g butter For the filling: -500g spinach-50g butter-1 tablespoon oil-2 garlic cloves-salt-pepper-500g cheese-1 bunch dill-2 eggs-1 teaspoon nutmeg Extra: 1 egg and seeds