Spinach Stuffed Pastry

Description:

Spinach Stuffed Pastry is a savory, flaky treat filled with a creamy mixture of spinach, cheese, and aromatic seasonings. These golden, crispy pastries are perfect as appetizers, snacks, or a light vegetarian meal paired with soup or salad.

📝 Ingredients for Spinach Stuffed Pastry

• 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed (or homemade dough)

• 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped (or 1 cup frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry)

• 1/2 cup ricotta cheese (or feta or cream cheese)

• 1/4 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded

• 2 tbsp parmesan cheese, grated

• 1 clove garlic, minced

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 1/2 tsp black pepper

• 1/4 tsp red chili flakes (optional)

• 1/4 tsp nutmeg (optional)

• Salt, to taste

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

👨‍🍳 Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking tray with parchment paper.

2. Prepare filling:

   • Heat olive oil in a pan, sauté onion and garlic until translucent.

   • Add chopped spinach and cook until wilted. Let it cool slightly.

   • In a bowl, mix spinach mixture with ricotta, mozzarella, parmesan, pepper, nutmeg, and chili flakes. Add salt to taste.

3. Roll out pastry:

   • Cut puff pastry sheet into squares or rectangles (about 4–5 inches).

4. Assemble pastries:

   • Spoon 1–2 tbsp of filling onto one half of each square.

   • Fold over into a triangle or rectangle, and press edges with a fork to seal.

5. Egg wash & bake:

   • Brush tops with beaten egg.

   • Bake for 18–22 minutes, until golden brown and puffed.

6. Cool & serve:

   • Let cool slightly on a wire rack before serving.

🧠 Notes:

• Can be made ahead and frozen before baking.

• Use phyllo dough instead of puff pastry for a lighter version.

• Add sun-dried tomatoes, mushrooms, or herbs for variation.

💡 Tips:

• Ensure spinach is dry to prevent soggy pastries.

• Don’t overfill to avoid leaking during baking.

• Seal well with a fork or crimping tool to keep filling inside.

• Serve with tzatziki, marinara, or yogurt dip for extra flavor.

🍽️ Servings:

Makes 6–8 pastries (depending on size)

⚖️ Nutritional Info (per pastry, approx.):

• Calories: 180–220

• Protein: 6g

• Fat: 13g

• Carbs: 15g

• Fiber: 1g

• Calcium: 10% DV

• Iron: 6% DV

🌿 Benefits:

• Spinach provides iron, vitamins A & K, and fiber.

• Cheese adds calcium and protein.

• Puff pastry makes it satisfying and kid-friendly.

❓Q&A:

Q: Can I make this vegan?
A: Yes! Use vegan puff pastry and replace cheeses with plant-based alternatives like tofu ricotta or vegan cream cheese.

Q: How do I reheat leftovers?
A: Bake in the oven or toaster oven at 350°F for 5–10 minutes to maintain crispiness.

Q: Can I use frozen spinach?
A: Absolutely. Just thaw and squeeze out excess moisture before using.

Q: Can I make these ahead for parties?
A: Yes, assemble and freeze them raw. Bake directly from frozen, adding 5–7 minutes to bake time.