Spirals with ham and cheese

Ham and cheese spirals – a delicious and versatile recipe

When it comes to dishes that satisfy both hunger and the need to impress, ham and cheese spirals are undoubtedly an excellent choice. These spirals are not just a hearty breakfast but can easily transform into a comforting dinner or a tasty snack for school or work. Whether you enjoy them warm, straight from the oven, or take them with you, they will bring a smile to your face. Let’s begin the culinary adventure!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 25 minutes
Total time: 55 minutes
Number of servings: 12 spirals

Ingredients

For the dough:
- 500 g flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 20 g fresh yeast
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 egg
- 50 ml oil
- Warm water (as needed)

For the filling:
- 150 g ham
- 100 g black olives, pitted
- 1 red bell pepper
- 200 g cheese
- 4-5 tablespoons homemade ketchup

The story of the recipe

Ham and cheese spirals are inspired by family culinary traditions, where each homemaker adds their personal touch and creativity. This recipe has its origins in pastry dishes but has evolved into a comfort food perfect for any occasion. It is a wonderful example of how a simple dough can be transformed into a delicious and filling dish, perfect for sharing with loved ones.

Step by step: Your guide to perfect spirals

1. Preparing the dough
- Start by sifting the flour into a large bowl. This step ensures a fine and even texture for the dough.
- Add the salt and mix well. Creating a well in the center of the flour is essential for activating the yeast.
- In the well, place the fresh yeast. Sprinkle sugar on top, then pour in a little warm water. Let the yeast activate for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
- Add the beaten egg, oil, and enough warm water to obtain a smooth dough. Mix with a spatula or your hands until the ingredients are well combined.
- Turn the dough onto a work surface and knead for 8-10 minutes. Gradually add water or flour as needed until you achieve an elastic and non-sticky dough.
- Place the dough in a bowl greased with a little oil, cover it with a damp towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 30-40 minutes, or until it doubles in volume.

2. Preparing the filling
- While the dough is rising, you can prepare the filling. Cut the ham into cubes, slice the olives, and chop the red bell pepper into small pieces. These ingredients will add an explosion of flavors to your spirals.
- Grate the cheese using a fine grater. This will add creaminess and flavor.

3. Assembling the spirals
- Once the dough has risen, divide it into two equal parts. Roll out each part on a floured surface, forming a rectangle.
- Spread ketchup over each sheet of dough, which will provide a hint of sweetness and acidity.
- Evenly distribute the pieces of ham, slices of olives, pieces of bell pepper, and finally, sprinkle the grated cheese on top.
- Roll each sheet lengthwise tightly to form a log. Cut the logs into pieces about 5 cm long, which will become our delicious spirals.
- Place the cut spirals on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, leaving a little space between them to expand during baking.

4. Baking
- Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. A moderate temperature is ideal for achieving golden and well-baked spirals.
- Place the tray in the oven and bake the spirals for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown.
- Once the spirals are almost baked, remove the tray from the oven and sprinkle an additional layer of grated cheese on top. Put them back in the oven for another 5-10 minutes until the cheese melts and turns golden.

5. Serving
- Let the spirals cool slightly before enjoying them. They are excellent both warm and at room temperature. You can serve them with a fresh green salad or yogurt sauces for a refreshing contrast.

Practical tips

- Choosing ingredients: Opt for high-quality ham, as this will influence the final taste. You can experiment with different types of cheese, such as mozzarella or sheep cheese, to give a personal touch.
- Variations: Add other vegetables to the filling, such as onion, zucchini, or dill, to diversify the flavors. You can replace ketchup with spicy tomato sauce for an extra flavor boost.
- Freezing: If you have leftover spirals, you can freeze them. Place them in a freezer bag and you can bake them directly from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Nutritional information and calories

A serving of ham and cheese spirals (approximately 2 spirals) has about 320-350 calories, depending on the ingredients used. They provide a good source of protein and carbohydrates, making them ideal for giving you the energy you need throughout the day.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use dry yeast instead of fresh yeast?
- Yes, you can use about 7 g of dry yeast. Mix it with the flour before adding the other ingredients.

2. How can I make the spirals healthier?
- Replace part of the flour with whole wheat flour and use turkey or chicken ham instead of pork ham.

3. Can I make the spirals vegan?
- Yes, you can replace the egg with a mashed banana or a mixture of flaxseeds with water. Use vegan cheese and omit the ham or use plant-based alternatives.

These ham and cheese spirals are not just a culinary delight but also an opportunity to experiment and create beautiful moments around the table. Whether you prepare them for a special occasion or simply to indulge yourself, each bite will bring unforgettable joy. Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: For the dough: 500 g flour, 1 tsp salt, 20 g fresh yeast, 1 tsp sugar, 1 egg, 50 ml oil, water as needed. For the filling: 150 g ham, pitted black olives, red bell pepper, 200 g cheese, 4-5 tbsp homemade ketchup.