Hand-Rolled Crispy Pastries Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 cups (250 grams) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup (115 grams) unsalted butter, chilled and cut into cubes
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) cold water
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon sugar (optional, for sweet pastries)
• 1 egg (for egg wash)
• Optional fillings: sweet (fruit preserves, chocolate) or savory (cheese, meats, spinach)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Dough:

• In a large bowl, mix the flour, salt, and sugar (if making sweet pastries).
• Cut in the chilled butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
• Gradually add cold water, a little at a time, until the dough starts to come together. Do not overwork the dough—just mix until combined.
• Form the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic, and refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow the butter to firm up.

2. Roll Out the Dough:

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough into a large, thin rectangle (about 1/8 inch thick).
• Cut the dough into even strips or squares, depending on the size of pastries you’d like to make.

3. Add the Filling:

• Place a spoonful of your chosen filling (sweet or savory) in the center of each dough strip or square.
• Gently fold the dough over the filling, creating a sealed edge. For extra style, you can roll the dough tightly or braid it before sealing.
• Press the edges with a fork or your fingers to ensure they are properly sealed and won’t open during baking.

4. Egg Wash:

• In a small bowl, whisk the egg. Lightly brush each pastry with the egg wash to give them a glossy finish.
• Optionally, sprinkle with coarse sugar (for sweet pastries) or sesame seeds (for savory pastries) for extra flavor and texture.

5. Bake:

• Place the pastries on the prepared baking sheet.
• Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
• Once baked, transfer to a wire rack to cool for a few minutes.

6. Serve:

• Serve warm or at room temperature. These hand-rolled crispy pastries are perfect for any time of day, from breakfast to dessert or as appetizers.

Filling Ideas:

Sweet Options:

• Fruit Preserves (e.g., strawberry, apricot, or raspberry)
• Nutella or Chocolate Chips
• Sweetened Cream Cheese with a touch of vanilla

Savory Options:

• Spinach and Feta
• Ham and Cheese
• Herbed Ricotta or goat cheese with sun-dried tomatoes

Tips for Success:

• Cold Butter is Key: Ensure your butter is very cold, as this will help create flaky layers in the pastry.
• Don’t Overwork the Dough: Handle the dough as little as possible to keep the butter from melting and creating a tough texture.
• Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to get creative with the fillings. This pastry is a blank canvas for endless possibilities.

Mastering the art of hand-rolled crispy pastries takes some practice, but the result is a delicious, golden treat that’s perfect for impressing guests or indulging yourself. Happy baking!