Homemade Spinach Stuffed Pastry

Making homemade spinach-stuffed pastries can be a delightful and satisfying culinary experience. Here’s a comprehensive guide to crafting these savory treats from scratch.

• Preparation Time (30-40 minutes):
  • Preparing the spinach filling (sautéing spinach, mixing with cheese, etc.)
  • Preparing the dough (if making from scratch) or thawing store-bought puff pastry
  • Assembling the pastries
• Baking Time (20-30 minutes):
  • Baking until the pastries are golden and crispy

  • Ingredients

    For the Dough:

    • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
    • 1 tsp salt
    • 1 tsp sugar
    • 1 cup unsalted butter (cold, cut into small cubes)
    • 1/4 cup ice water (more if needed)

    For the Filling:

    • 2 cups fresh spinach (washed and chopped)
    • 1 cup ricotta cheese
    • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
    • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
    • 1 small onion (finely chopped)
    • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
    • 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)
    • 2 tbsp olive oil
    • Salt and pepper to taste
    • 1/4 tsp nutmeg (optional)

    Instructions

    Preparing the Dough:

    1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and sugar.
    2. Cut in Butter: Add the cold butter cubes to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
    3. Add Water: Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing just until the dough begins to come together. You might need a little more water depending on the humidity and flour.
    4. Chill the Dough: Gather the dough into a ball, flatten it into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This resting period helps to make the dough easier to roll out.

    Preparing the Filling:

    1. Sauté Vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
    2. Cook Spinach: Add the chopped spinach to the skillet and cook until wilted and any excess moisture has evaporated. This should take about 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
    3. Mix Filling: In a large bowl, combine the cooked spinach mixture with the ricotta, Parmesan, and mozzarella cheeses. Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg if using. Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined.

    Assembling the Pastries:

    1. Roll Out Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/8-inch thickness. Cut the dough into squares or circles, depending on your preference. Squares of about 4 inches work well for a more traditional hand-pie shape.
    2. Fill Pastries: Place a spoonful of the spinach filling in the center of each dough piece. Be careful not to overfill, as this can make sealing the pastries difficult.
    3. Seal Pastries: Fold the dough over the filling to create a pocket or fold in half if using circles. Press the edges together firmly, and use a fork to crimp the edges to ensure they are sealed well.
    4. Apply Egg Wash: Brush the tops of the pastries with the beaten egg to give them a golden, shiny finish.

    Baking:

    1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
    2. Bake: Arrange the pastries on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between them. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the pastries are golden brown and crisp.
    3. Cool: Allow the pastries to cool on a wire rack for a few minutes before serving. They can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature.

    Tips for Success

    • Dough Consistency: If the dough feels too crumbly or dry, add a bit more ice water, a teaspoon at a time, until it holds together but isn’t sticky.
    • Filling Variations: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses or add herbs like dill or basil to the filling for added flavor.
    • Make Ahead: The dough and filling can be prepared ahead of time. Keep the dough refrigerated and the filling in the fridge until you’re ready to assemble and bake.

    These spinach-stuffed pastries are perfect as a snack, appetizer, or even a light meal. Enjoy the satisfaction of creating these flaky, flavorful bites from scratch!