Spinach Stuffed Pastry: A Delicious and Flaky Delight

Spinach stuffed pastries are a fantastic appetizer or snack, combining a buttery, flaky pastry with a savory, cheesy spinach filling. These are perfect for serving at gatherings, as a side dish, or simply as a treat to enjoy with a cup of tea.

Ingredients:

For the Filling:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 10 oz (300g) fresh spinach, washed and chopped (or use frozen, thawed and well-drained spinach)
• 1/2 cup ricotta cheese (or feta cheese for a tangy flavor)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
• 1 egg (for the filling)

For the Pastry:

• 1 sheet puff pastry (store-bought or homemade), thawed if frozen
• 1 egg (for egg wash)
• Sesame or poppy seeds (optional, for topping)

Directions:

Step 1: Prepare the Filling

1. Cook the Onion and Garlic: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
2. Wilt the Spinach: Add the chopped spinach to the skillet and cook until wilted (if using fresh spinach) or heated through (if using frozen). Stir occasionally and cook for 3-4 minutes until any excess liquid has evaporated.
3. Mix in the Cheese: Remove the skillet from the heat and allow the spinach mixture to cool slightly. Stir in the ricotta (or feta), Parmesan, salt, pepper, and nutmeg (if using). Taste the mixture and adjust seasoning as needed.
4. Add the Egg: Once the mixture has cooled enough, stir in the egg. This will help bind the filling.

Step 2: Assemble the Pastry

1. Roll Out the Pastry: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out the puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface until it is about 1/8 inch thick. You can cut the pastry into squares, rectangles, or triangles, depending on your preferred shape.
2. Fill the Pastry: Place a spoonful of the spinach filling onto one half of each piece of pastry, leaving a border around the edges for sealing.
3. Seal the Pastry: Fold the pastry over the filling to enclose it. Press the edges down with a fork to seal, making sure no filling escapes. You can also crimp the edges for a decorative touch.
4. Egg Wash: In a small bowl, beat the remaining egg and lightly brush it over the tops of the pastries. This will give them a golden, glossy finish. Optionally, sprinkle sesame or poppy seeds on top for added crunch and flavor.

Step 3: Bake the Pastry

1. Bake: Transfer the filled pastries to a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the pastries are puffed and golden brown.
2. Cool Slightly: Let the pastries cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before serving.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!

Serve the Spinach Stuffed Pastries warm or at room temperature. These can be enjoyed on their own or paired with a dipping sauce like tzatziki or a simple marinara sauce.

Tips:

• Make Ahead: These pastries can be assembled and frozen before baking. Just pop them in the oven directly from the freezer when ready to bake (you may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time).
• Cheese Substitutes: Feel free to swap out the ricotta with cream cheese, or mix in other cheeses like mozzarella or cheddar for a different flavor profile.
• Additions: For added texture and flavor, consider mixing in pine nuts, raisins, or sautéed mushrooms with the spinach filling.

These Spinach Stuffed Pastries are an irresistible combination of flaky pastry and rich, cheesy spinach filling, making them a perfect dish for any occasion!