Gourmet pastries with prosciutto

Gourmet pastries with prosciutto
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 20-25 minutes
Total time: 55 minutes
Number of servings: 12 pieces

If you're looking for a simple yet impressive recipe, these gourmet pastries with prosciutto will surely become the stars of any festive meal or elegant appetizer. The intense aroma of the prosciutto combined with the fluffy texture of the dough makes these pastries a perfect choice to impress your guests. Let's get started!

Ingredients for the dough:
- 500 g wheat flour
- 7 g dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 150 g cold butter, cubed
- 200 ml warm water

Ingredients for the filling:
- 200 g prosciutto, thinly sliced
- 150 g mozzarella cheese, grated
- 1 egg, beaten (for brushing)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Preparing the dough:
Start by combining the flour, dry yeast, salt, and sugar in a large bowl. Make sure the yeast is active and fresh to achieve a well-risen dough. Add the cold butter cubes and, using your fingers, rub it into the flour until the mixture resembles wet sand. This step is essential for achieving a flaky dough texture.

2. Adding the water:
Make a well in the flour mixture and gradually pour in the warm water, mixing with a spatula or your hands until the dough starts to come together. Knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes elastic and smooth. This step helps develop the gluten, giving the dough a good structure.

3. Proofing the dough:
Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm place for 30 minutes, or until it doubles in volume. You can use an oven preheated to 30°C to create a warm environment ideal for proofing.

4. Preparing the filling:
Once the dough has risen, roll it out on a lightly floured surface until you have a thin sheet, about 3 mm thick. Cut it into squares of approximately 10x10 cm. On each square, place a slice of prosciutto and a tablespoon of grated mozzarella cheese. If you want an extra flavor, you can add a few chopped fresh parsley leaves.

5. Forming the pastries:
Close each square by folding the corners towards the center, forming a package. Press the edges well to seal the filling. Place the pastries on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, leaving a little space between them to allow for expansion during baking.

6. Baking:
Preheat the oven to 200°C. Brush each pastry with the beaten egg to achieve a golden and appetizing crust. Bake the pastries for 20-25 minutes or until they are golden and crispy.

7. Serving:
Once the pastries are ready, let them cool slightly before serving. You can garnish them with chopped fresh parsley for a more elegant look. These gourmet pastries with prosciutto are delicious served warm, but they can also be at room temperature, making them perfect for parties or picnics.

Practical tips:
- Make sure the butter is cold to achieve a flaky texture.
- You can substitute prosciutto with crispy bacon or high-quality ham, and mozzarella cheese with goat cheese or feta for variations in flavor.
- These pastries can be prepared in advance and frozen. Make sure to fully thaw them before baking.

Now that you have all the necessary information, all that's left is to enjoy the cooking process and savor the final result! Gourmet pastries with prosciutto are an ideal choice for any special occasion or simply to indulge in a homemade treat.

 Ingredients: 500 g bread flour, 250 ml milk, 2 eggs, 1 packet of dry yeast or 25 g fresh yeast, 3 tablespoons of sugar, 1 teaspoon of salt, 100 g soft butter. For the filling: 30 g butter, 2 tablespoons of flour, 200 ml milk, 150 g cheese or any other melting cheese, 5 slices of prosciutto, half a teaspoon of grated nutmeg, 1 egg + 50 g grated cheese for brushing.