Elevate Your Appetizers: Spinach Stuffed Pastry Recipe

Spinach Stuffed Pastry is a savory delight that combines the earthy flavors of spinach with aromatic herbs and spices, all wrapped in a flaky pastry crust. Whether served as an appetizer, snack, or part of a meal, these pastries are sure to impress with their rich flavors and satisfying textures. In this guide, we’ll take you through the steps to create these delectable Spinach Stuffed Pastries from scratch, ensuring each bite is a culinary delight.

Ingredients:

For the Dough:

2 onions, finely chopped
A pinch of green onion leaves, chopped
500 grams of spinach, chopped
A pinch of parsley, chopped
1 glass of kefir (200ml)
1 tea glass of water (90ml)
1 teaspoon salt (8 grams)
1 egg white
3.5 cups of wheat flour (420 grams)
1 teaspoon butter (15 grams)
1 tablespoon vegetable oil (12ml)
Sesame seeds and black cumin seeds for topping

For the Filling:

1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (5 grams)
1 teaspoon salt (4 grams)
1 teaspoon each of black pepper, cumin, mint
Hot or sweet pepper (optional)
1 tablespoon kefir
1 tablespoon vegetable oil

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Dough:

In a pan, sauté finely chopped onions and green onion leaves until translucent.
Add chopped spinach and parsley to the pan and cook until wilted. Let it cool.
In a mixing bowl, combine kefir, water, salt, and egg white. Mix well.
Gradually add flour to the liquid mixture, kneading until a soft dough forms.
Divide the dough into small balls and let them rest for 15-20 minutes.

2. Make the Filling:

In a separate bowl, mix red pepper flakes, salt, black pepper, cumin, mint, and chopped hot or sweet pepper if using.
Add kefir and vegetable oil to the mixture and stir until well combined.

3. Assemble the Pastries:

Take a dough ball and roll it out into a thin circle.
Place a spoonful of the filling mixture in the center of the dough circle.
Fold the edges of the dough over the filling to create a sealed pocket.
Repeat with the remaining dough and filling.

4. Bake:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Place the stuffed pastries on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Brush the tops of the pastries with melted butter and sprinkle sesame seeds and black cumin seeds on top.
Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and crispy.

5. Serve:

Serve the Spinach Stuffed Pastries warm as a delicious appetizer or snack.

Cook Notes and Variations:

Cheese Addition: Add grated cheese to the filling mixture for extra richness.
Spice Level: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes and hot pepper according to your taste preference.
Vegetable Variations: Experiment with different vegetables such as mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini for variety.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Q: Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

A: Yes, you can substitute frozen spinach for fresh. Make sure to thaw and drain it well before using to prevent excess moisture in the filling.

Q: Can I make the dough ahead of time?

A: Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Let it come to room temperature before rolling and filling.

Q: Can I freeze the stuffed pastries?

A: Absolutely! Once assembled, you can freeze the stuffed pastries on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer them to a freezer bag for long-term storage. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Q: Can I make these pastries vegan?

A: Yes, you can make these pastries vegan by omitting the egg white and using plant-based yogurt or milk instead of kefir.

Keto Versions:

Almond Flour Dough: Substitute wheat flour with almond flour for a keto-friendly dough.
Low-Carb Filling: Use a combination of low-carb vegetables such as spinach, mushrooms, and bell peppers for the filling.

Low-Carb Versions:

Coconut Flour Dough: Replace wheat flour with coconut flour for a low-carb dough alternative.
Reduced Sugar Filling: Use natural sweeteners like stevia or erythritol instead of sugar in the filling.

Indulge in the savory goodness of these Spinach Stuffed Pastries, bursting with flavorful filling and flaky pastry. Whether enjoyed as a snack, appetizer, or part of a meal, these pastries are sure to tantalize your taste buds. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, you can create a batch of these delectable treats to impress family and friends. So, roll up your sleeves and get ready to savor every bite of these irresistible Spinach Stuffed Pastries!