Meatball sandwiches

Meat-filled Pockets

If you're looking for a recipe that brings smiles to the faces of your loved ones, meat-filled pockets are the perfect choice! These delights are not only tasty but also very versatile, as they can be served hot or cold. Whether you're preparing them for a family dinner or a party with friends, these appetizers will surely be appreciated. I will guide you step by step to achieve a perfect result!

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes
Number of servings: 12

Ingredients:

- 400 g minced meat (a mix of beef and pork for a rich flavor)
- 2 bell peppers
- 2 red onions
- 1 carrot
- 1 small celery
- 500 g fresh Champignon mushrooms
- 50 g cheese
- 6 sheets of pastry
- 50 ml olive oil
- A bunch of fresh parsley
- Salt, pepper
- Herbs de Provence
- Spice mix (coriander, marjoram, thyme, bay leaves, oregano, basil)

Preparation:

1. Preparing the ingredients:
Start by washing all the vegetables thoroughly. Slice the bell pepper into thin strips, and cut the onion into julienne strips. Grate the carrot and celery. Clean the mushrooms, wash them well, and slice them. Finally, chop the parsley finely.

2. Sautéing the vegetables:
In a deep skillet, add the olive oil and heat it over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until it becomes translucent. Add the bell pepper, carrot, and celery, stirring constantly. Sauté the vegetables for about 5-7 minutes.

3. Adding the meat:
When the vegetables begin to soften, add the minced meat. Mix well to avoid lumps and cook until the meat loses its pink color and browns slightly. This step is essential for a tasty filling.

4. Seasoning:
Once the meat is cooked, add salt, pepper, and your desired spice mix. Don't forget the herbs de Provence, which will add extra flavor. Finally, add the sliced mushrooms and chopped parsley. Let the mixture cook for another 5 minutes until the mushrooms soften and combine well with the other ingredients.

5. Preparing the pastry sheets:
Layer the pastry sheets on top of each other and cut them into four equal parts, yielding 24 pieces. Stack two pieces together so that the corners form a star.

6. Forming the pockets:
Grease the molds with a little olive oil. Place a tablespoon of the meat filling in the center of each pastry star. On top of the filling, place a thin slice of cheese. Gently gather the corners of the pastry sheets to form pockets. You can use parsley stems or green onion leaves to tie them, but if you prefer, you can leave them untied.

7. Baking:
Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Place the pockets in the oven and let them bake for 15-20 minutes until the pastry is golden and crispy.

8. Serving:
The pockets can be served hot, but they are just as delicious cold. You can pair them with a fresh salad or a garlic yogurt sauce that will perfectly complement the dish's flavor.

Useful tips:

- If you want to personalize the filling, you can add olives, chili peppers, or even feta cheese for a salty note.
- These pockets can be frozen before baking. Place them on a tray, let them freeze, then transfer them to a plastic bag. When you want to prepare them, bake them directly from the freezer, adding a few minutes to the cooking time.

Nutritional benefits:
This recipe offers a balance of protein, fiber, and vitamins due to the fresh vegetables and meat. It is a nutritious option, ideal for satisfying hunger without compromising health.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use frozen pastry sheets?
Absolutely! Just make sure to let them thaw completely before use.

2. What kind of meat can I use?
You can experiment with chicken or turkey for a lighter version.

3. Can I make the pockets in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the filling a day ahead and assemble the pockets just before baking.

In conclusion, meat-filled pockets are a simple and quick recipe, perfect for any occasion. Whether served as an appetizer or as part of a main dish, they will surely delight your meal. Enjoy!