Easy Addictive Spinach Stuffed Pastry

Introduction

Spinach-stuffed pastries are a delightful combination of flaky, buttery dough and a savory, cheesy spinach filling. These pastries are incredibly easy to make, yet they look and taste like something from a gourmet bakery. Perfect as an appetizer, snack, or even a light meal, these pastries are sure to become a favorite in your household. The recipe uses store-bought puff pastry to save time, making it accessible for even novice cooks.

This recipe yields approximately 12 pastries and takes about 45 minutes from start to finish. The key to success lies in the quality of the ingredients and the proper handling of the puff pastry to ensure it bakes up light and flaky.

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Ingredients

For the Filling:

• 10 ounces (280 grams) fresh spinach – Washed and dried. You can also use frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil – For sautéing the spinach.
• 1 small onion – Finely chopped.
• 2 cloves garlic – Minced.
• 1 cup (100 grams) feta cheese – Crumbled. You can substitute with ricotta or goat cheese if preferred.
• 1/2 cup (50 grams) grated Parmesan cheese – Adds a nutty, savory flavor.
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg – Freshly grated for the best flavor.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt – Adjust to taste.
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper – Freshly ground.
• 1 egg – Beaten, for binding the filling.

For the Pastry:

• 1 package (17.3 ounces or 490 grams) puff pastry – Thawed according to package instructions.
• 1 egg – Beaten, for egg wash.

Optional Add-Ins:

• 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes – Chopped, for a tangy twist.
• 1/4 cup pine nuts – Toasted, for added crunch.

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Equipment

• Large skillet
• Mixing bowls
• Rolling pin
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Pastry brush
• Sharp knife or pizza cutter
• Fork (for sealing the edges)

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Preparation

Step 1: Preparing the Filling

1. Sauté the Spinach: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
2. Cook the Spinach: Add the fresh spinach to the skillet in batches, stirring until wilted. If using frozen spinach, add it directly to the skillet and cook until heated through. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
3. Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked spinach mixture, crumbled feta cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, nutmeg, salt, black pepper, and beaten egg. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated. If using sun-dried tomatoes or pine nuts, add them at this stage.

Step 2: Preparing the Pastry

1. Thaw the Puff Pastry: Ensure the puff pastry is fully thawed according to the package instructions. This usually takes about 30-40 minutes at room temperature.
2. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

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Assembly and Baking

Step 3: Assembling the Pastries

1. Roll Out the Pastry: On a lightly floured surface, roll out one sheet of puff pastry into a rectangle, about 12×9 inches (30×23 cm). Cut the pastry into 6 equal squares.
2. Add the Filling: Place a heaping tablespoon of the spinach filling in the center of each square. Be careful not to overfill, as this can make sealing difficult.
3. Fold and Seal: Fold the pastry over the filling to form a triangle. Press the edges firmly with a fork to seal. Repeat with the remaining squares and the second sheet of puff pastry.

Step 4: Baking the Pastries

1. Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the assembled pastries on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each one to allow for expansion.
2. Apply Egg Wash: Brush the tops of the pastries with the beaten egg. This will give them a beautiful golden color when baked.
3. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the pastries are puffed up and golden brown.

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Notes and Tips

1. Handling Puff Pastry: Work quickly with puff pastry to prevent it from becoming too soft. If it gets too warm, place it in the refrigerator for a few minutes to firm up.
2. Customizing the Filling: Feel free to add other ingredients to the filling, such as cooked mushrooms, caramelized onions, or different types of cheese.
3. Make Ahead: You can prepare the filling up to a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Assemble and bake the pastries just before serving.
4. Storage and Reheating: Leftover pastries can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
5. Serving Suggestions: These pastries are delicious on their own or served with a side of marinara sauce, tzatziki, or a simple green salad.

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Conclusion

These Easy Addictive Spinach Stuffed Pastries are a perfect blend of flaky, buttery pastry and a savory, cheesy spinach filling. They are simple to make yet impressive enough to serve at parties or special occasions. With their irresistible flavor and texture, these pastries are sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Enjoy