Spinach-stuffed pastries are a delightful and versatile dish, perfect for breakfast, brunch, appetizers, or a light lunch. With a flaky exterior and a savory spinach and cheese filling, these pastries are sure to impress. This recipe combines the rich flavors of spinach, cheese, and herbs, all wrapped in a buttery, golden puff pastry.
- Preparation Time: About 20-30 minutes (this includes washing and chopping the spinach, preparing the filling, and rolling out the pastry dough).
- Cooking Time: About 20-25 minutes (time for baking the pastry until golden and crisp).
Total Time: Approximately 40-55 minutes, depending on the complexity of the recipe and the efficiency of preparation.
Ingredients
For the Filling:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 10 ounces fresh spinach, chopped (or 1 package frozen spinach, thawed and drained)
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
For the Pastry:
- 1 package puff pastry (2 sheets), thawed
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon water
Instructions
- Prepare the Filling:
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add the chopped spinach to the skillet. If using fresh spinach, cook until wilted and most of the moisture has evaporated, about 5-7 minutes. If using frozen spinach, ensure it’s fully thawed and squeezed dry of excess water before adding it to the skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes until heated through.
- Remove the skillet from the heat and let the spinach mixture cool slightly.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the feta cheese, ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, and the egg. Mix until well combined.
- Add the cooled spinach mixture to the bowl and stir until all the ingredients are thoroughly incorporated. Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg (if using). Set aside.
- Prepare the Pastry:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the puff pastry sheets to smooth out any creases. Cut each sheet into 4 squares (you will have 8 squares in total).
- Place about 2 tablespoons of the spinach filling in the center of each square.
- Fold each square into a triangle, enclosing the filling. Press the edges together with your fingers, then use a fork to crimp the edges to seal them tightly.
- Egg Wash and Baking:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining egg with 1 tablespoon of water to make an egg wash.
- Brush the tops of the pastries with the egg wash to give them a golden color when baked.
- Place the pastries on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each one.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the pastries are puffed up and golden brown.
- Serve:
- Let the pastries cool slightly on a wire rack before serving. These spinach-stuffed pastries are delicious when served warm, but they also taste great at room temperature.
