Spinach Stuffed Pastry

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:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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!