Spirals with ham and cheese

Ham and Cheese Spirals Recipe: A Delight for Any Time of the Day

Total Preparation Time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Baking Time: 25-30 minutes
Number of Servings: 22 spirals

Ham and cheese spirals are a perfect choice for a hearty breakfast, a quick dinner, or a delicious snack for school or work. With a fluffy dough and a savory filling, these spirals are not only visually appealing but also incredibly tasty. Let’s discover together how to prepare them!

A Brief History
Dough recipes have a long tradition, appearing in various cultures. Filled spirals are a popular variant, adaptable to various ingredients, satisfying everyone’s tastes. Whether we’re talking about a savory or sweet filling, these dishes are always welcome.

Ingredients
For the dough:
- 500 g flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 20 g fresh yeast
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 egg
- 50 ml oil
- Warm water (as needed)

For the filling:
- 150 g ham
- 100 g pitted black olives
- 1 red bell pepper
- 200 g cheese
- 4-5 tablespoons homemade ketchup

Tips for Ingredients
- Flour: Choose type 000 or 550 flour for a fluffier dough.
- Yeast: Use fresh yeast for the best results. If unavailable, you can use dry yeast but adjust the amount to 7 g.
- Filling: Be creative! You can add vegetables like onions, mushrooms, or even feta cheese for extra flavor.

Step by Step Preparation

1. Preparing the Dough:
- In a large bowl, sift the flour and mix it with the salt. This will help distribute the ingredients evenly.
- Make a well in the center of the flour and add the yeast. Sprinkle the sugar on top and pour in a little warm water. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until the yeast becomes frothy.
- Add the beaten egg, oil, and warm water, mixing slowly until the ingredients combine.
- Transfer the dough to a work surface and knead for 10 minutes, adding water or flour as needed to achieve an elastic and non-sticky dough.
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 30-40 minutes, or until it doubles in volume.

2. Preparing the Filling:
- Cut the ham into cubes, the olives into slices, and the red bell pepper into small pieces. Grate the cheese on a fine grater.
- In a bowl, combine all the filling ingredients.

3. Assembling the Spiral:
- Once the dough has risen, divide it into two equal parts.
- On a floured surface, roll each part into a rectangular sheet.
- Spread ketchup on each sheet, then evenly distribute the ham, olives, bell pepper, and cheese filling.
- Roll each sheet tightly lengthwise, then cut into pieces about 5 cm long.

4. Baking:
- Line a baking tray with parchment paper and place the spirals upright, leaving a little space between them.
- Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius.
- Bake the spirals for 20-25 minutes until golden. Remove the tray and sprinkle the remaining grated cheese on top. Return to the oven for another 5-10 minutes until melted and golden.

Serving and Suggestions
Serve the spirals warm, alongside a fresh salad or a flavored yogurt dip. These spirals are also perfect for a picnic or as an appetizer at a party.

Delicious Variations
- Vegan: Use tofu or grilled vegetables instead of ham and replace the cheese with a vegan alternative.
- Sweet Spirals: Try a sweet version with chocolate and nuts, adding a little sugar to the dough.

Nutritional Information
Each spiral contains approximately 150-200 calories, depending on the filling. They are rich in protein due to the ham and cheese and provide a good source of carbohydrates from the flour.

Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use another type of cheese? Yes, you can experiment with mozzarella, goat cheese, or any other preferred cheese.
- What should I do if the dough doesn’t rise? Check if the yeast is fresh and if the temperature of the environment is suitable for rising.

Ham and cheese spirals are not only a simple and quick recipe but also an opportunity to explore your creativity in the kitchen. So, don’t hesitate to add your personal touch! Enjoy!