Crown with Meat and Spinach

Meat and Spinach Crown: A Delicacy in the Form of Indulgence

This meat and spinach crown recipe is perfect for adding a touch of originality and flavor to your meal! Whether you prepare it for a special occasion or simply to treat yourself, this crown is not only delicious but also visually impressive. I will gladly guide you through the steps, providing useful tips and information about the ingredients to ensure that the result is exceptional.

Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Baking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Number of Servings: 8 servings

Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: Approximately 250 kcal
- Protein: 12 g
- Fat: 15 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g

Ingredients:

For the Dough:
- 1 egg
- 70 g butter or margarine (for a fluffier texture, use butter)
- 1 pinch of salt
- 20 g fresh yeast (try to use fresh yeast for a fluffier dough)
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Flour (approximately 300-400 g, enough to obtain a moldable dough)

For the Filling:
- 200 g minced meat (you can use beef, pork, or chicken)
- 200 g fresh spinach (wash it well and remove the stems)
- 3 onions (preferably white or yellow onion)
- 1 clove of garlic (for extra flavor)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 pinch of thyme (a wonderful choice to enhance the flavors)
- 1 raw egg (to bind the filling)
- Poppy seeds, sesame, or flax seeds (optional, for decoration)

Preparing the Crown:

1. Preparing the Dough:
Start by rubbing the yeast with the teaspoon of sugar in a small bowl until it liquefies. Add the melted butter (or margarine), the egg, and the salt. Mix well, then gradually incorporate the flour until you obtain a slightly moldable dough that does not stick to your hands.

I recommend using type 550 flour, which is ideal for fluffy doughs. Once you have obtained the dough, wrap it in plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place, such as an oven preheated to 30 degrees, for about 30 minutes.

2. Preparing the Filling:
Meanwhile, prepare the filling. In a deep skillet, add two tablespoons of oil and sauté the finely chopped onion over medium heat until it becomes translucent. Then, add the minced meat and cook until it browns evenly.

A few minutes before turning off the heat, add the washed and finely chopped spinach. It is important not to overcook the meat, as it will be baked again. Season with salt, pepper, and thyme, and for a touch of color and flavor, you can also add a bit of pepper paste or paprika.

3. Combining the Ingredients:
After the filling has cooled slightly, add the raw egg and mix everything well. Now the filling is ready, and the dough should have risen nicely.

4. Forming the Crown:
On a piece of parchment paper, roll out the dough with a rolling pin into a round shape. Using a plate, outline a circle, then cut triangles (8 in total) from the center to the edges. Carefully transfer the parchment with the dough to the baking tray (ideally, a 30 cm diameter).

On the edges of the dough, place the filling and then lift the triangles toward the center, gently pressing with a wet finger to seal them. Brush the triangles with raw egg and, if desired, sprinkle sesame or poppy seeds for a more appetizing look.

5. Proof and Bake:
Let the tray rise in a warm place for another 30 minutes. Preheat the oven to 200 degrees Celsius and bake the crown for 25-30 minutes, until the dough is golden and crispy.

Serving Suggestions:
Serve the crown warm, perhaps alongside a fresh salad or a yogurt sauce with garlic. It is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed both as an appetizer and as a main course.

Variations and Useful Tips:
- You can experiment with different fillings, adding feta cheese or olives for a Mediterranean flavor.
- If you prefer a vegetarian version, replace the meat with mushrooms or seasonal vegetables.
- Make sure the dough is not too sticky; add flour gradually.
- The crown can be prepared a day in advance; just keep it covered in the fridge and bake it before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Can I use dry yeast instead of fresh yeast?
Yes, you can use about 7 g of dry yeast, but make sure to activate it according to the instructions on the package.

2. How can I tell when the crown is baked?
The golden color of the dough is a good indicator. You can also gently tap the bottom; a hollow sound indicates that it is baked.

3. Can the crown be frozen?
Yes, the crown can be frozen before baking. You can bake it directly from the freezer, but it will require a little extra baking time.

This meat and spinach crown is not only tasty but also a true culinary work of art. I wish you much success in preparing it and enjoy every bite! Bon appétit!

 Ingredients: Ingredients for a crown: Dough: - one egg - 70 g butter or margarine - a pinch of salt - 20 g fresh yeast - 1 teaspoon sugar - flour Filling: - 200 g minced meat - 200 g spinach - 3 onions - one clove of garlic - salt, pepper to taste - a pinch of thyme - one raw egg - poppy seeds or sesame or flax seeds (optional)