Puff pastry with tomatoes and salami

Vol-au-vent with tomatoes and salami: a quick and tasty appetizer

Who doesn't love an elegant appetizer that impresses guests and is easy to prepare? Vol-au-vent with tomatoes and salami is exactly what you need, whether you're hosting a party, having lunch with friends, or simply want to treat yourself to something delicious. This dish is not only tasty but also full of creativity, with a rich history in gastronomy. Its origins date back to the 19th century when puff pastry became popular in European cuisine, and vol-au-vents quickly became staple appetizers in holiday menus. Now, let's discover together how to prepare them!

Total preparation time: 40 minutes
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 20 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Necessary ingredients:
- 1 sheet of thawed puff pastry (approximately 250 g)
- 3 large ripe tomatoes
- 1 egg yolk
- Juice from half a lemon
- Salt, to taste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 100 g dried salami (or another type of preferred cold cuts)
- 2-3 tablespoons olive oil

Step-by-step preparation:

1. Preparing the puff pastry: Start by preheating the oven to 200 degrees Celsius. On a clean, lightly floured surface, roll out the thawed puff pastry until it reaches a thickness of about 2-3 mm. This is a perfect moment to enjoy the aroma of the puff pastry dough!

2. Forming the rounds: Using a large glass, cut out 4 rounds from the puff pastry. Then, with a smaller glass, cut circles in the middle of each round, being careful not to cut them completely through. These circles will form your vol-au-vent "baskets." The inner part can be used to make salami sticks, adding an extra touch of creativity to your dish.

3. Assembling: Carefully remove the inner circles, leaving a "wall" of 1 cm. Brush each basket with egg yolk mixed with a little lemon juice to give them a golden and shiny color when baked. Then, place the cut circles on each of the rounds, gently pressing the edges to stick.

4. Baking: Place the vol-au-vent baskets on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Bake them in the preheated oven at 200 degrees Celsius for 10 minutes, then reduce the temperature to 170 degrees Celsius and continue baking until they are golden and puffed, about another 10 minutes.

5. Preparing the salami sticks: Use the remaining puff pastry to make delicious sticks. Roll out the leftover dough, add slices of salami on one side, then fold and gently press the edges. Cut long strips that you can twist and place on a baking tray. Brush the top with egg yolk and a little lemon juice, then bake just like the vol-au-vents.

6. Filling the baskets: Meanwhile, wash the tomatoes well, dice them, and place them in a bowl. Add olive oil, salt, dried oregano, and mix well. Fill each vol-au-vent basket with the tomato mixture, then add a few pieces of dried salami on top for extra flavor.

7. Serving: Serve the vol-au-vents on an elegant plate, alongside the remaining seasoned tomatoes. Don’t forget to add the salami sticks for a complete appetizer!

Useful tips for a perfect dish:
- Make sure the puff pastry is well-thawed before using it to avoid tearing.
- You can experiment with different fillings, such as feta cheese, olives, or bell peppers. These variations can add extra flavor and color.
- If you want a spicy note, you can add a few slices of hot pepper to the tomato filling.
- This appetizer pairs perfectly with a glass of white wine or even a refreshing cocktail.

Nutritional benefits:
Tomatoes are an excellent source of vitamins C and K, lycopene, and antioxidants, which contribute to heart and skin health. Salami, despite its higher caloric content, can add protein and flavor to the dish, but moderate consumption is essential. One vol-au-vent basket has about 250 calories, depending on the ingredients used.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use other types of meat for the filling?
Yes, you can use ham, chicken, or even canned tuna, adapting the recipe to your tastes.
2. What is the best way to store the vol-au-vents?
They are best consumed fresh, but if leftovers remain, you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for a day.

Now that you have all the necessary information, all that's left is to get to work! Make these vol-au-vents with tomatoes and salami the stars of your next gathering and enjoy the appreciative reactions of your loved ones!