Autumn parcels with ham and cheese: a simple and delicious recipe
If you are looking for a quick and tasty recipe that utilizes leftover ingredients from the fridge, you have come to the right place! These autumn parcels with ham, cheese, and peas are perfect for a snack, an appetizer, or even a light lunch. I will show you step by step how to prepare them, ensuring you achieve a delicious result every time.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Baking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes
Number of servings: 4 parcels
Ingredients:
- 1 sheet of puff pastry
- 2 slices of pressed ham
- 1 piece of meat cheese
- 2 slices of cheese
- A handful of peas (fresh or frozen)
- 1 egg
- 1-2 tablespoons of sesame seeds
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper and thyme, to preference
Brief history:
These autumn parcels originate from culinary traditions that emphasize seasonal ingredients, especially during harvest time. Over time, various cultures have created similar dishes using pastry sheets and diverse fillings, from meat and cheese to vegetables. These parcels reflect the spirit of not wasting anything from what you have in the fridge, transforming leftovers into delicious and appealing dishes.
Step by step:
1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by cutting the two slices of pressed ham, the piece of meat cheese, and the two slices of cheese into small cubes. Make sure all ingredients are cut evenly so they mix easily in the filling. Add the peas to the bowl with the chopped ingredients.
2. Seasoning the filling: Sprinkle salt, pepper, and thyme over the mixture of ingredients. Thyme adds a fresh and pleasant aroma, but you can experiment with other herbs like oregano or dill, depending on your preferences.
3. Preparing the pastry: After thawing the puff pastry sheet, place it on a clean surface. Sprinkle sesame seeds on one side of the pastry to add texture and a special flavor.
4. Cutting the pastry: Using a mold or a glass, cut circles from the pastry. If you don’t have a mold, you can use a medium-sized glass to obtain perfect circles. You will get about 4 parcels.
5. Filling the parcels: In each circle of pastry, place a teaspoon of the ingredient mixture. Make sure not to overfill to avoid leaks.
6. Sealing the parcels: Moisten the edges of the pastry circles with a little water. This will help seal them. Fold the circles in half to form half-moons and press the edges well to seal.
7. Preparing for baking: Place the parcels on a baking tray greased with a little oil and sprinkled with flour to prevent sticking. Beat the egg with a little salt and brush the parcels with the egg mixture for a golden and appetizing crust.
8. Baking the parcels: Preheat the oven to a low temperature (175°C) and place the tray in the oven 3-4 minutes after turning it on. Bake the parcels for 15 minutes or until they turn golden and crispy.
9. Serving: Once the parcels are ready, take them out of the oven and let them cool slightly. They can be served warm, alongside a fresh salad or yogurt sauce. If you want to add a touch of refinement, you can sprinkle a little more salt on top before serving.
Practical tips:
- If you don’t have all the suggested ingredients, don’t worry! You can substitute them with other types of cold cuts, cheese, or vegetables like mushrooms or spinach.
- If you want to enhance the texture, you can add a bit of feta or mozzarella cheese to the filling.
- These parcels can be frozen before baking. Place them on a tray and put them in the freezer, then transfer them to a freezer bag. When you want to prepare them, bake them directly from the freezer, adding a few minutes to the baking time.
Nutritional information (per serving):
- Calories: approximately 250
- Protein: 12g
- Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use store-bought puff pastry?
Yes, store-bought puff pastry is perfect for this recipe and will save you time.
2. How can I make the parcels crispier?
Make sure to brush them well with beaten egg and bake them at the right temperature. Also, don’t overcrowd the tray to allow hot air circulation.
3. Can I add vegetables to the filling?
Absolutely! Vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or zucchini can add extra flavor and nutrients.
Suitable desserts and drinks:
These autumn parcels pair perfectly with a dry white wine or a craft beer. Also, if you want a sweet note at the end, you can try a simple dessert like a fruit sorbet or an apple tart.
I hope you enjoyed this captivating recipe and that it will inspire you to create delicious parcels for yourself and your loved ones! Enjoy your meal!
If you are looking for a quick and tasty recipe that utilizes leftover ingredients from the fridge, you have come to the right place! These autumn parcels with ham, cheese, and peas are perfect for a snack, an appetizer, or even a light lunch. I will show you step by step how to prepare them, ensuring you achieve a delicious result every time.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Baking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes
Number of servings: 4 parcels
Ingredients:
- 1 sheet of puff pastry
- 2 slices of pressed ham
- 1 piece of meat cheese
- 2 slices of cheese
- A handful of peas (fresh or frozen)
- 1 egg
- 1-2 tablespoons of sesame seeds
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper and thyme, to preference
Brief history:
These autumn parcels originate from culinary traditions that emphasize seasonal ingredients, especially during harvest time. Over time, various cultures have created similar dishes using pastry sheets and diverse fillings, from meat and cheese to vegetables. These parcels reflect the spirit of not wasting anything from what you have in the fridge, transforming leftovers into delicious and appealing dishes.
Step by step:
1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by cutting the two slices of pressed ham, the piece of meat cheese, and the two slices of cheese into small cubes. Make sure all ingredients are cut evenly so they mix easily in the filling. Add the peas to the bowl with the chopped ingredients.
2. Seasoning the filling: Sprinkle salt, pepper, and thyme over the mixture of ingredients. Thyme adds a fresh and pleasant aroma, but you can experiment with other herbs like oregano or dill, depending on your preferences.
3. Preparing the pastry: After thawing the puff pastry sheet, place it on a clean surface. Sprinkle sesame seeds on one side of the pastry to add texture and a special flavor.
4. Cutting the pastry: Using a mold or a glass, cut circles from the pastry. If you don’t have a mold, you can use a medium-sized glass to obtain perfect circles. You will get about 4 parcels.
5. Filling the parcels: In each circle of pastry, place a teaspoon of the ingredient mixture. Make sure not to overfill to avoid leaks.
6. Sealing the parcels: Moisten the edges of the pastry circles with a little water. This will help seal them. Fold the circles in half to form half-moons and press the edges well to seal.
7. Preparing for baking: Place the parcels on a baking tray greased with a little oil and sprinkled with flour to prevent sticking. Beat the egg with a little salt and brush the parcels with the egg mixture for a golden and appetizing crust.
8. Baking the parcels: Preheat the oven to a low temperature (175°C) and place the tray in the oven 3-4 minutes after turning it on. Bake the parcels for 15 minutes or until they turn golden and crispy.
9. Serving: Once the parcels are ready, take them out of the oven and let them cool slightly. They can be served warm, alongside a fresh salad or yogurt sauce. If you want to add a touch of refinement, you can sprinkle a little more salt on top before serving.
Practical tips:
- If you don’t have all the suggested ingredients, don’t worry! You can substitute them with other types of cold cuts, cheese, or vegetables like mushrooms or spinach.
- If you want to enhance the texture, you can add a bit of feta or mozzarella cheese to the filling.
- These parcels can be frozen before baking. Place them on a tray and put them in the freezer, then transfer them to a freezer bag. When you want to prepare them, bake them directly from the freezer, adding a few minutes to the baking time.
Nutritional information (per serving):
- Calories: approximately 250
- Protein: 12g
- Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use store-bought puff pastry?
Yes, store-bought puff pastry is perfect for this recipe and will save you time.
2. How can I make the parcels crispier?
Make sure to brush them well with beaten egg and bake them at the right temperature. Also, don’t overcrowd the tray to allow hot air circulation.
3. Can I add vegetables to the filling?
Absolutely! Vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or zucchini can add extra flavor and nutrients.
Suitable desserts and drinks:
These autumn parcels pair perfectly with a dry white wine or a craft beer. Also, if you want a sweet note at the end, you can try a simple dessert like a fruit sorbet or an apple tart.
I hope you enjoyed this captivating recipe and that it will inspire you to create delicious parcels for yourself and your loved ones! Enjoy your meal!