Spinach Stuffed Pastry Recipe

Ingredients

For the Pastry:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
• 1/4 cup cold water (more if needed)
• 1/2 tsp salt

For the Filling:

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

Instructions

Making the Pastry:

1. Mix Flour and Butter: In a large bowl, mix the flour and salt. Add the cold butter cubes and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to blend the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
2. Add Water: Gradually add cold water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the dough comes together. Be careful not to overwork the dough.
3. Chill Dough: Form the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Making the Filling:

4. Cook Onion and Garlic: In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking until soft and translucent.
5. Add Spinach: Add the chopped spinach to the skillet and cook until wilted. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
6. Mix Cheeses: In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, feta cheese, cooked spinach mixture, salt, pepper, and nutmeg (if using).

Assembling the Pastries:

7. Roll Out Dough: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). On a floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about 1/8 inch thick. Cut into circles or squares, depending on your preference.
8. Fill Pastries: Place a spoonful of the spinach and cheese mixture in the center of each pastry piece. Fold the pastry over the filling and crimp the edges with a fork to seal.
9. Egg Wash: Brush the top of each pastry with the beaten egg.
10. Bake: Place the pastries on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.

Serve:

11. Cool and Serve: Let the pastries cool slightly on a wire rack before serving. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.

These spinach stuffed pastries make a great appetizer or snack and can be served with a dipping sauce or as part of a larger meal.