Spinach stuffed pastry, also known as spinach puff pastry or spinach turnovers, is a delicious dish that combines the flakiness of pastry with a savory spinach filling. Here’s a simple recipe to make spinach stuffed pastry
Ingredients:
- 1 package of puff pastry sheets (usually contains 2 sheets)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: pinch of nutmeg or red pepper flakes for extra flavor
Instructions:
- Prepare the Spinach Filling:
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add chopped spinach to the skillet. Cook and stir until the spinach is wilted and cooked down, about 3-4 minutes.
- Season with salt, pepper, and any optional spices like nutmeg or red pepper flakes. Remove from heat and let the mixture cool slightly.
- Once cooled, stir in the crumbled feta cheese. Set aside.
- Prepare the Pastry:
- Preheat your oven to the temperature specified on the puff pastry package.
- Thaw the puff pastry sheets according to package instructions if they are frozen. They should be thawed but still cold.
- On a lightly floured surface, unfold one pastry sheet and roll it out slightly to smooth any creases and to make it a bit thinner.
- Assemble the Spinach Stuffed Pastry:
- Cut the pastry sheet into squares or rectangles, depending on your preference for the size of the turnovers.
- Spoon a tablespoon or so of the spinach and feta filling onto one half of each square or rectangle, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Seal and Bake:
- Fold the pastry over the filling to create a triangle or rectangle shape. Press the edges together firmly with a fork to seal.
- Transfer the stuffed pastries to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Optional: Brush the tops of the pastries with a beaten egg for a shiny finish.
- Bake in the preheated oven according to the puff pastry package instructions, usually around 15-20 minutes or until golden brown and puffed up.
- Serve:
- Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. These can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature.
Tips:
- Ensure the spinach filling is not too watery to prevent soggy pastry. If necessary, squeeze excess moisture from the cooked spinach before mixing with the feta.
- Experiment with different cheeses or add-ins like pine nuts or sun-dried tomatoes for variation.
- These pastries can be served as appetizers, snacks, or even as a light meal with a side salad.
Enjoy your delicious spinach stuffed pastry!