Vol-au-Vent with Egg Salad

Vol-au-Vent with Egg Salad - Elegant and Savory Appetizer

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 25 minutes
Total time: 55 minutes
Number of servings: 6-8 appetizers

If you are looking for a quick and simple recipe for a sophisticated appetizer, Vol-au-Vent with Egg Salad is the perfect choice. This dish not only looks fantastic but is also incredibly tasty, making it ideal for a party or festive meal. Whether you want to impress your guests or simply treat yourself, this appetizer will surely be a hit.

Ingredients:
- 1 package puff pastry (approximately 275 g)
- 6 hard-boiled eggs
- 1 bunch green onions
- 4 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon fine mustard
- Curry (paste or powder) to taste
- Salt and pepper to preference

Instructions:

1. Preparing the pastry: Start by preheating the oven to 200 degrees Celsius. Open the puff pastry package and roll it out on a clean, lightly floured work surface. Cut circles with a diameter of about 8 cm. From each circle, cut another smaller circle (about 4 cm) from the center to create rings.

2. Forming the vol-au-vents: Each ring obtained is placed on top of the base circle. Arrange all the pastry shapes on a greased or parchment-lined baking tray to prevent sticking. Using a fork, prick the bases of the circles to allow steam to escape during baking. If desired, you can add beans inside to prevent excessive puffing of the base.

3. Baking: Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the vol-au-vents are golden and fluffy. Once baked, let them cool on a wire rack.

4. Preparing the egg salad: While the pastry is baking, prepare the egg salad. Peel the hard-boiled eggs and chop them into small cubes. Wash the green onions well and slice them thinly, including the green part. In a bowl, combine the eggs with the green onions, then add the mayonnaise, mustard, and season with curry, salt, and pepper to taste. Mix everything carefully to avoid mashing the eggs.

5. Assembling the appetizer: Once the vol-au-vents have completely cooled, fill each cup with the egg salad. You can garnish with a little green onion on top for a more attractive look.

Serving suggestions: This appetizer pairs perfectly with a glass of white wine or a refreshing cocktail. You can add a side of green or red leaves, such as arugula or mixed salad, to provide a pleasant contrast.

Variations: You can experiment with different ingredients in the egg salad by adding olives, red peppers, or even a bit of avocado for a more complex flavor. Also, for a spicier touch, you can use spicy mayonnaise or add a few drops of Tabasco sauce.

This recipe for Vol-au-Vent with Egg Salad is a perfect example of an elegant appetizer, quick to prepare, and full of flavor, ideal for any occasion. Buon Appetito!