Ingredients:
-
1 sheet of puff pastry (store-bought or homemade, thawed if frozen)
-
2 cups fresh spinach (washed and roughly chopped)
-
1/2 cup ricotta cheese (or cream cheese for a richer filling)
-
1/2 cup grated mozzarella cheese (or feta cheese for more tang)
-
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
-
1 small onion, finely chopped (optional)
-
2 cloves garlic, minced
-
1 tbsp olive oil (or butter)
-
Salt and pepper, to taste
-
1/4 tsp nutmeg (optional, but adds great flavor)
-
1 egg (for egg wash)
-
Fresh herbs (optional, like dill, parsley, or thyme)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Spinach Filling:
-
Heat the olive oil or butter in a large pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion (if using) and garlic, and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
-
Add the fresh spinach to the pan and cook for about 2-3 minutes until it wilts down. If the spinach releases a lot of liquid, cook it a bit longer to evaporate the moisture. Let it cool slightly.
-
In a bowl, combine the sautéed spinach mixture with ricotta cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Stir until everything is well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
2. Prepare the Puff Pastry:
-
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
-
Roll out the puff pastry sheet on a floured surface. If using store-bought puff pastry, make sure it’s thawed and ready.
-
Cut the pastry sheet into squares or rectangles, depending on your preferred size. Typically, about 4-6 individual pastries can be made from one sheet of puff pastry.
3. Stuff the Pastry:
-
Place a generous spoonful of the spinach mixture in the center of each pastry square or rectangle.
-
Fold the pastry over to enclose the filling, forming a pocket or a triangle shape (like a turnover). You can also leave it as a rectangular shape if preferred.
-
Press the edges of the pastry together with a fork to seal them well.
4. Apply the Egg Wash:
-
Beat the egg in a small bowl and brush it over the top of each pastry. This will help the pastry turn golden and glossy when baked.
5. Bake the Pastry:
-
Place the stuffed pastries on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
-
Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t over-brown.
6. Serve:
-
Once baked, remove the spinach stuffed pastries from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.
-
Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or dill if desired.
Serve:
-
These Spinach Stuffed Pastries make a perfect appetizer, snack, or side dish. They’re great for parties, potlucks, or as a light meal with a side salad.
Optional Variations:
-
Cheese variations: You can use feta, goat cheese, or cheddar instead of ricotta and mozzarella for a different flavor profile.
-
Add nuts: Try adding some chopped pine nuts or walnuts for extra texture and flavor.
-
Meat version: If you like, you can add cooked sausage, bacon, or chicken to the spinach filling for a meaty version.
-
Spices: For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes, cumin, or smoked paprika to the spinach mixture.
Enjoy your Spinach Stuffed Pastry—flaky, cheesy, and full of flavor!