Addictive Spinach Stuffed Pastry

Addictive Spinach Stuffed Pastry Recipe

Ingredients:

For the Pastry Dough:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• ½ cup ice water

For the Spinach Filling:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 10 oz fresh spinach, chopped (or 1 package frozen spinach, thawed and drained)
• ½ cup ricotta cheese
• ½ cup feta cheese, crumbled
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg
• Salt and pepper to taste
• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Pastry Dough:
   • In a large bowl, mix the flour and salt.
   • Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
   • Gradually add ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough comes together. Be careful not to overwork the dough.
   • Form the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
2. Make the Spinach Filling:
   • Heat 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.
   • Stir in the chopped spinach and cook until wilted (if using fresh) or heated through (if using frozen). Remove from heat and let cool.
   • In a large bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, feta cheese, Parmesan cheese, and egg. Add the cooled spinach mixture and stir until well combined. Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg (if using).
3. Assemble the Pastries:
   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
   • On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about 1/8-inch thickness. Cut out 4-5 inch circles using a round cutter or a small bowl.
   • Place a heaping tablespoon of the spinach filling in the center of each dough circle.
   • Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Press the edges together to seal, and crimp with a fork for a decorative edge.
   • Transfer the stuffed pastries to the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops with beaten egg for a golden finish.
4. Bake:
   • Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the pastries are golden brown.
   • Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.

Enjoy your addictive spinach stuffed pastries warm or at room temperature!