Potato and spinach pastries

Delicious Potato and Spinach Pies – a simple and flavorful recipe

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Number of servings: 4

When hunger strikes, we want to find quick and delicious solutions. This recipe for potato and spinach pies is perfect for satisfying the craving for something tasty and healthy. Without using much flour, these pies are easy to prepare and can be an ideal choice for either an appetizer or as a side dish for a main course.

Origin of the recipe

Pies are a versatile dish found in many culinary cultures. Whether filled with meat, vegetables, or cheese, they hold a special place in many hearts. In this recipe, I chose a delicious combination of potatoes and spinach, which not only offers a unique taste but also significant nutritional benefits. Potatoes are an excellent source of carbohydrates, while spinach provides essential vitamins.

Ingredients

- 4 large potatoes (approx. 200 g)
- 4 cloves of garlic
- 3 tablespoons of flour
- 3 tablespoons of mineral water
- 3-4 tablespoons of olive oil (or sunflower oil for a milder taste)
- A handful of fresh spinach
- ½ packet of baking powder
- A few green onion tops
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Sesame seeds for decoration
- Fresh vegetables for serving (tomatoes, radishes, etc.)

Preparation of potato and spinach pies

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by peeling and washing the potatoes well. Cut them into small cubes for even cooking. Also, wash the spinach and green onions, then dry them gently.

2. Mixing the ingredients: Place the potato cubes, fresh spinach, peeled and chopped garlic in a blender. Add salt and pepper to taste. Blend everything until you get a smooth mixture. If you prefer, you can grate the potatoes instead of blending them to maintain a chunkier texture.

3. Adding liquid ingredients: In the obtained mixture, add a tablespoon of oil and the mineral water. Blend again, but this time with short pulses to avoid turning the potatoes into a too-fine puree.

4. Preparing the dough: In a separate bowl, mix the flour and baking powder. Add this mixture to the potato and spinach mixture and mix well to obtain a homogeneous paste.

5. Cooking the pies: Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat and drizzle it with olive oil (or sunflower oil). Use a spoon to form portions from the pie mixture and place them in the pan. Cover the pan with a lid and let them cook for 5-7 minutes until they turn golden and fluffy. You don’t need to flip them, as they will cook evenly.

6. Serving: Once the pies are ready, serve them warm alongside fresh vegetables like tomatoes or radishes for a contrast of textures and flavors. You can sprinkle sesame seeds on top for added crunch.

Useful tips

- Gluten-free option: If you want to avoid gluten, you can replace white flour with gluten-free flour or almond flour.
- Ingredient substitutions: You can add feta or mozzarella cheese to the pie mixture for a richer taste. You can also experiment with other vegetables like zucchini or carrots to add more color and nutrients.
- Pairings: These pies pair excellently with fish or meat, offering a touch of freshness. You can also create a yogurt sauce with garlic and dill, which will perfectly complement the flavors.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use boiled potatoes?
Yes! You can use boiled and mashed potatoes to achieve a finer texture. This will make the pies fluffier.

2. How can I store the pies?
If you have leftover pies, you can keep them in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat them in a pan or oven to regain their crunchy texture.

3. What drinks pair well with these pies?
A dry white wine or fresh lemonade are excellent choices to accompany the pies. Also, a cold green tea can offer a pleasant contrast.

Calories and nutritional benefits

This recipe for potato and spinach pies is a healthy option, having around 250-300 calories per serving, depending on the amount of oil used. Potatoes are a good source of vitamins B6, C, and minerals, while spinach adds significant amounts of iron, calcium, and antioxidants.

A personal detail

I remember when I first made these pies for my family. The response was enthusiastic, and it brought me joy to see how everyone asked for a second serving. It’s a recipe I warmly recommend to anyone who wants to bring a touch of creativity to the kitchen without spending too much time cooking. So let’s cook together and enjoy every bite!