Puff pastries with eggplant spread and garlic

Recipe for Pies with Eggplant Spread and Garlic

Welcome to the delicious world of authentic flavors! Today, I present to you a simple and quick recipe for pies with eggplant spread and garlic, a dish that has captured the attention and appreciation of everyone who has savored it. This recipe is not only a personal invention but has managed to transform meals into true celebrations of taste. Get ready to learn how to create these golden and crispy appetizers that will bring a touch of joy in every bite!

Preparation Time:
- Preparation time: 20 minutes
- Baking time: 25-30 minutes
- Total time: 50-60 minutes
- Servings: 32 pies

Ingredients:
- 1 large package of puff pastry (800 g)
- 1 jar of eggplant spread (400 g) - you can use homemade spread for an authentic taste
- 100 g smoked bacon or pork belly
- 6 large garlic cloves
- 16 pitted black olives

A Bit of History:
Eggplant spread is a traditional dish that has been loved by generations, with deep roots in culinary culture. It is a mix of vegetables, especially eggplants and peppers, that are slowly cooked to develop their rich flavors. This pie recipe combines the flavor of the eggplant spread with the crispy crust of the puff pastry, resulting in an appetizer that can be enjoyed both warm and cold. Whether you choose to serve them at a party or as a quick snack, these pies are sure to be a hit!

Preparing the Pies:

1. Thawing the Dough:
Start by thawing the puff pastry at room temperature. Make sure the dough is completely thawed and easy to handle.

2. Preparing the Ingredients:
- Slice the garlic into thin pieces, being careful not to make them too large, so they blend harmoniously into the pies.
- Cut the bacon or pork belly into small cubes to provide a smoky and savory flavor.
- Halve the black olives, ensuring they are pitted.

3. Cutting the Dough:
Each sheet of dough is divided into 16 equal squares. Since there are two sheets in the package, we get a total of 32 squares. This will be the perfect base for the delicious filling!

4. Filling the Pies:
In the center of each dough square, add a teaspoon of eggplant spread, half an olive, a thin slice of garlic, and a cube of bacon. Make sure not to overfill to avoid spillage during baking.

5. Forming the Pies:
Fold the dough over the filling, forming a triangle, and press the edges with a fork to ensure they are well sealed. This step is essential to keep all the flavors inside.

6. Baking:
Preheat the oven to 200 degrees Celsius. Place the formed pies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, ensuring the pressed side is facing the back of the oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until they are nicely golden and crispy.

7. Serving:
The pies with eggplant spread and garlic are served warm or cold, alongside a glass of cold beer or buttermilk. They are perfect for enjoying as appetizers at parties or as quick snacks during the day.

Practical Tips:
- If you want to add a touch of originality, you can experiment with different types of cheese or vegetables instead of bacon.
- Make sure the dough is well chilled before working with it to achieve a crispy texture.
- Before placing the pies in the oven, you can brush them with a beaten egg for an even more golden crust.

Nutritional Benefits:
These pies are an excellent source of protein from the bacon and garlic, as well as antioxidants from the eggplant spread. Garlic, in particular, is known for its beneficial properties for the immune system. It’s important to consume them in moderation, considering the calorie content, but they can be an excellent choice for a tasty snack.

Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Can I use another type of dough?
Yes, you can use pizza dough or pie crust, but the result will be different.

2. Can the pies be frozen?
Absolutely! You can freeze the pies before baking them. When you want to consume them, you can bake them directly from the freezer, adding a few minutes to the baking time.

3. Can I use fresh vegetables instead of eggplant spread?
Sure! You can use a mix of sautéed vegetables, cheese, or even ground meat. Be creative!

4. What other recipes can I make with puff pastry?
Puff pastry is extremely versatile! You can use it to make croissants, tarts, or even delicious pies.

I wish you much success in preparing these pies with eggplant spread and garlic! I am confident that each bite will bring smiles and appreciation. Perhaps, in the end, your colleague will also wonder where to find them, but you will know that you can make them anytime!