Spinach candy with seeds

Hello, dear cooking enthusiasts! Today I present to you a delicious and unique recipe, perfect for welcoming carolers during the holiday season. These "little bites of goodness" with spinach and goat cheese are not only tasty but also easy to prepare. I will discover together with you how to prepare them step by step, offering you useful tips and customization options. Let's get to work!

Preparation Time
- Preparation time: 20 minutes
- Baking time: 15-20 minutes
- Total: 40 minutes
- Number of servings: 20 pieces

Ingredients
- 1 package of dough (preferably puff pastry)
- 200 g canned spinach (or fresh, if you want a healthier option)
- 100 g goat cheese (or feta cheese, for a more affordable option)
- 100 g creamy yogurt (optional, if using feta cheese)
- 25 g butter
- 50 g pumpkin seeds
- 30 g chia seeds
- 1 egg (for brushing)

Recipe Story
Spinach dishes have a long history, being associated with festive meals and moments of conviviality. These "candies" are not just a culinary delight but also a way to bring family and friends together around a table. Spinach, rich in vitamins and minerals, combined with goat cheese creates a perfect harmony of flavors, while pumpkin and chia seeds add extra texture and nutrients.

Step by Step

1. Preparing the spinach
Start by draining the canned spinach well from excess water. If using fresh spinach, boil it for a few minutes in salted water, then drain and let it cool. Once cooled, chop it finely.

2. Sautéing the spinach
In a pan, melt 25 g of butter over medium heat. Add the spinach and sauté for 3-5 minutes until it becomes slightly browned and its aroma intensifies. Let it cool slightly.

3. Preparing the cheese cream
In a bowl, mix the goat cheese (or feta) with the creamy yogurt using a fork or mixer. The mixture should become a smooth and homogeneous cream. This step is essential for achieving a light and airy texture.

4. Combining the ingredients
Add the sautéed spinach to the cheese cream and mix well. Then incorporate the chia and pumpkin seeds. These not only provide a delicious taste but also offer nutritional benefits, being rich in omega-3 and antioxidants.

5. Preparing the dough
On a clean surface, unfold the package of dough and cut it into rectangles of about 10 x 10 cm (or desired size). Using a rolling pin, roll out each rectangle to achieve a thinner shape.

6. Filling the dough
Place a teaspoon of the spinach mixture in the center of each dough rectangle. Bring the edges over the filling, forming a "candy" and twist the ends to seal the filling. This detail adds a playful and festive look to the dish.

7. Baking
Place the candies on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Beat the egg and brush each piece to achieve a golden and appetizing crust. Preheat the oven to 180°C and bake for 15-20 minutes or until they turn beautifully golden.

Serving Suggestions
These treats are excellent served warm, alongside a yogurt sauce with mint or a spicy sauce, which adds a touch of freshness. You can also pair them with a glass of dry white wine for an unforgettable evening with friends.

Variations and Useful Tips
1. Using other cheeses: If you prefer a milder flavor, feta cheese is an excellent choice. In this case, omit the yogurt to maintain the texture.

2. Adding other vegetables: You can include other vegetables such as green onions or red peppers to add a splash of color and extra flavor.

3. Vegan option: Use tofu instead of cheese and a plant-based yogurt. This will keep the recipe friendly for all diets.

Nutritional Benefits
This dish is rich in protein due to the cheese and yogurt, while spinach provides a considerable amount of iron, vitamin K, and antioxidants. Pumpkin and chia seeds are excellent sources of essential fatty acids, fiber, and minerals.

Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use fresh spinach instead of canned?
Absolutely! Fresh spinach brings a more vibrant taste and pleasant texture.

- How long can I keep the candies?
They can be stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days, but they are best consumed freshly baked.

- Can they be frozen?
Yes! You can freeze the candies before baking. Make sure to place them in an airtight container.

These "little bites of goodness" with spinach and goat cheese are not just a delight but also a fantastic way to bring joy and warmth into your homes. I hope this recipe inspires you to prepare something special for your loved ones. Enjoy cooking!

We drain the spinach well and sauté it in butter. While the sautéed spinach cools, we mix the crumbled goat cheese with yogurt until it becomes a cream. We spread the cheese cream over the spinach, homogenize it, and add chia and pumpkin seeds. We cut the pastry into rectangles, which we further roll out with a rolling pin. We take each rectangle of dough, place a teaspoon of the spinach mixture in the center of the rectangle, bring each edge over the filling, and then twist the ends like candy wrappers. We place the candies on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, brush them with beaten egg, and bake in the preheated oven until they are nicely browned. Enjoy your meal! You can use feta cheese instead of goat cheese, and in this case, you don't need to add yogurt.

 Ingredients: 1 package of dough 200 g canned spinach 100 g goat cheese 100 g creamy yogurt 25 g butter 50 g pumpkin seeds 30 g chia

 Tags:  candy tree with spinach and seeds candies apple spinach goodies for carolers