Puff pastry baskets with caviar

Puff pastry cups with caviar

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Number of servings: 12 cups

Who doesn't love an elegant and tasty appetizer? Puff pastry cups with caviar are a perfect choice for parties, festive meals, or simply to add a touch of refinement to your everyday life. These little delicacies are not only easy to prepare but also very versatile, as they can be filled with various types of caviar or other delicious creams.

A brief history

Puff pastry is a dough with a long-standing tradition, appreciated for its airy and layered texture. Over time, it has been used in various recipes, from pies to sophisticated desserts. Caviar, on the other hand, has always been a luxury ingredient, associated with special occasions. The combination of the two creates a symphony of flavors and textures that cannot be ignored.

Ingredients

- 1 package of puff pastry (approximately 270g)
- 200g caviar (octopus, fish, or vegetable)
- 1 egg
- 50ml milk
- 1 lemon (for decoration)
- Salt and pepper (optional, to taste)

Necessary utensils

- A rolling pin
- A glass (or a round cutter)
- A smaller glass (or a cutter for edges)
- A baking tray
- Baking paper
- A small bowl for mixing the egg and milk
- A fork

Step by step

1. Thawing the puff pastry

Start by allowing the puff pastry to thaw. This step is essential to achieve a perfect texture. Make sure the pastry is completely thawed; otherwise, it will tear when you roll it out.

2. Preparing the dough

Once the puff pastry has thawed, use a rolling pin to gently roll it out on a clean surface dusted with a little flour. Roll it out until it reaches a thickness of about 3-4 mm. This will ensure a tender and airy texture.

3. Cutting the shapes

Use a glass to cut round shapes from the dough. Make sure the shapes are large enough to hold the filling. From each cut shape, use a smaller glass to create a smaller circle in the center of each shape, leaving a margin of about 1 cm.

4. Assembling the cups

Place the cut shapes on a baking tray lined with baking paper. Overlap the cut edges over the larger circles and brush them with well-beaten egg white. This will help seal the layers and provide a beautiful texture.

5. Preparing for the oven

In a small bowl, beat the egg yolk with the milk. This mixture will provide a delicious golden glaze. Brush the tops of the cups with this mixture and place them in a preheated oven at 180°C for about 15 minutes.

6. Baking

During baking, open the oven door from time to time and poke the bottoms of the cups with a fork to prevent excessive puffing. When the cups turn golden and crispy, remove them from the oven and let them cool on a cooling rack.

7. Filling

Once cooled, fill the cups with your favorite caviar. You can use fish caviar, octopus caviar, or even vegetable caviar, depending on your preferences. Add a thin slice of lemon on top of each cup for extra flavor and an attractive appearance.

Useful tips

- Choosing the caviar: Choose high-quality, fresh caviar for the best taste. You can opt for salty or sweet caviar, depending on your preferences.
- Variations: You can also add a bit of finely chopped red onion or fresh dill to the filling for extra flavor.
- Serving: These cups are perfect alongside a glass of dry white wine or even a fresh cocktail.

Nutritional benefits

Caviar is rich in proteins and omega-3 fatty acids, and its benefits are recognized for heart and brain health. Puff pastry, while delicious, should be consumed in moderation due to its calorie content. Each cup contains approximately 70-80 calories but offers an explosion of flavors and textures.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use another type of dough?
Yes, you can use tart dough or brisée dough, but the textures will be different. Puff pastry provides a unique crispness and lightness.

2. What can I do with the leftover dough?
You can make cookies from the leftover dough by cutting shapes and baking them with a little sugar on top.

3. How can I store the cups?
It is best to fill them just before serving, but you can store the empty cups in an airtight container for a few days.

Personal note

I fondly remember the first time I made these cups for a family gathering. The reactions of my loved ones were priceless, and the aroma of the caviar mixed with the crispy pastry brought smiles to everyone's faces. Since then, I have tested various fillings and combinations, but caviar cups remain a favorite.

Enjoy preparing them and don't hesitate to experiment! Puff pastry cups with caviar are a great way to impress and create beautiful memories around the table. Bon appétit!