Easy Addictive Spinach Stuffed Pastry

Ingredients:

For the Filling:

• 1 lb fresh spinach (or 10 oz frozen spinach, thawed and drained)
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg, beaten
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg (optional)

For the Pastry:

• 1 package puff pastry (2 sheets), thawed
• 1 egg (for egg wash)
• Sesame seeds or poppy seeds (optional, for topping)

Equipment:

• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Mixing bowls
• Rolling pin (optional)
• Whisk

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Spinach Filling:

• If using fresh spinach, rinse and chop it. Sauté in a pan over medium heat until wilted (about 2-3 minutes). If using frozen spinach, ensure it’s thoroughly thawed and drained to remove excess moisture.
• In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked spinach, 1 cup ricotta cheese, 1 cup crumbled feta cheese, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1 beaten egg, 2 cloves minced garlic, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, and 1/4 tsp nutmeg (if using). Mix until well combined.

1. Preheat the Oven:

• Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

1. Prepare the Pastry:

• On a lightly floured surface, roll out the thawed puff pastry sheets to smooth out any creases. Cut each sheet into squares (about 4×4 inches).

1. Fill the Pastry:

• Place a generous tablespoon of the spinach filling in the center of each square. Be careful not to overfill, as this can cause them to burst during baking.

1. Seal the Pastry:

• Fold the corners of the pastry over the filling to form a triangle or a pocket. Press the edges firmly to seal. Use a fork to crimp the edges for extra security and a decorative touch.

1. Apply Egg Wash:

• In a small bowl, whisk together 1 egg (for the egg wash). Brush the tops of the pastries with the egg wash to give them a golden color while baking. Sprinkle sesame seeds or poppy seeds on top if desired.

1. Bake:

• Place the stuffed pastries on the prepared baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed up.

1. Serve:

• Allow the pastries to cool slightly before serving. They can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature.

Tips for Success:

• Make Ahead: You can prepare the filling and assemble the pastries ahead of time. Just store them in the fridge and bake them when you’re ready to serve.
• Variation: Feel free to add other ingredients like cooked onions, sun-dried tomatoes, or herbs to customize the filling to your liking.
• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to restore crispiness.

Enjoy your delicious and addictive spinach stuffed pastries!