Spinach spiral

Spinach Spiral – A Delicious and Elegant Recipe

Preparation time: 40 minutes
Baking time: 25 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 5 minutes
Servings: 6

Who can resist a spinach spiral with flaky pastry and a flavorful filling? This recipe is not only a treat for the taste buds but also an excellent way to incorporate greens into our diet. The inspiration for the spinach spiral comes from culinary traditions that emphasize fresh and healthy ingredients, and today we will discover together how to prepare this savory dish.

Ingredients:

For the dough:
- 400 g whole wheat flour (whole flour gives a deeper flavor)
- 1 egg
- 1 yolk
- 200 g butter (make sure it's cold for a perfect texture)
- 3 tablespoons cold water
- 1 teaspoon salt

For the filling:
- 700 g spinach (fresh is always preferred)
- 100 g sheep cheese (or feta cheese)
- 2 tablespoons grated cheese (for a richer flavor)
- 1 onion (finely chopped)
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon breadcrumbs (to bind the filling)
- 3 cloves of garlic (crushed)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)

For brushing:
- 1 yolk
- 2 tablespoons milk
- Poppy seeds (for decoration)

Preparing the dough:

1. Start by mixing the whole wheat flour with salt in a large bowl. This will be the delicious base for your spiral.
2. Add the cold butter cut into cubes. Use your fingers or a mixer to combine the ingredients until you achieve a breadcrumb-like texture.
3. Add the egg and yolk, mixing gently. It's important not to overmix to keep the dough flaky.
4. If the dough is too dry, add cold water, one tablespoon at a time, until it becomes smooth but not sticky.
5. Form the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes. This step helps firm up the butter and achieve a lighter texture.

Preparing the filling:

1. In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Add the spinach and cook for about 5 minutes until it wilts.
2. Drain the spinach and let it cool. Once cooled, chop it finely and squeeze out excess water. It's essential to remove excess moisture; otherwise, the filling will be too wet.
3. In a pan, sauté the chopped onion until translucent, then add the chopped spinach. Allow them to combine for a few minutes, then let the mixture cool.
4. In a bowl, combine the spinach, cheese, grated cheese, crushed garlic, breadcrumbs, and egg. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix well until you have a uniform filling.

Assembling the spiral:

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. On a floured surface, roll out the chilled dough into a thin sheet.
3. Cut the dough into strips about 5 cm wide. These strips will form the base of your spiral.
4. Spread a generous layer of spinach filling on each strip, leaving the edges free.
5. Roll each strip to form spirals, being careful not to let the filling spill out.
6. Place the spirals on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, leaving a little space between them.
7. In a small bowl, beat the yolk with the milk and brush the spirals with this mixture. This will give them a golden and glossy appearance when baked.
8. Sprinkle poppy seeds on top for added texture and flavor.

Baking:

1. Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake the spirals for about 25 minutes, or until they are golden and crispy.
2. Once baked, let the spirals cool slightly before serving. They will be delicious both warm and at room temperature.

Serving suggestions:

The spinach spiral is perfect as an appetizer or as a main dish, paired with a fresh green salad with lemon dressing. You can also serve it with a garlic yogurt sauce or a tomato and feta salad for a contrast of flavors.

Nutritional benefits:

This dish is rich in nutrients, thanks to spinach, which is an excellent source of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as minerals like iron and calcium. Whole wheat flour adds fiber, essential for healthy digestion, and the cheese provides valuable protein.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use frozen spinach?
Yes, frozen spinach is a good alternative, but make sure to thaw and drain it well before use.

2. How can I vary the filling?
You can add other ingredients like mushrooms, dill, or even bacon to customize the spiral to your taste.

3. What is the best way to store leftover spirals?
Store the spirals in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume them within 2-3 days. You can reheat them in the oven to restore their crispiness.

In conclusion, the spinach spiral is a versatile, easy-to-make recipe full of flavor, perfect for any occasion. Prepare it with love and enjoy every bite!