Spinach and turkey baskets

Spinach and Turkey Bites

If you're looking for a quick, delicious, and healthy recipe, spinach and turkey bites are the perfect choice! This dish will not only delight your taste buds but is also packed with essential nutrients, thanks to the combination of lean meat and green vegetables. Plus, these bites are ideal for a family meal or to impress guests. Let's embark on this culinary adventure step by step!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 20 minutes
Total: 50 minutes
Number of servings: 4-6

Ingredients:
- 400 g turkey breast, sliced thin and marinated with 1 teaspoon garlic chili sauce and 2 tablespoons oil
- 800 g fresh spinach (or frozen, if more convenient)
- 8 sheets of pastry (or filo dough)
- 125 g mozzarella
- juice of 1/2 lemon
- oil for brushing the sheets
- salt and pepper to taste

Preparing the Bites:

1. Preparing the turkey: Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add the turkey slices and sauté, stirring occasionally, until they are golden and cooked through. This should take about 10-12 minutes. Don’t forget to add a pinch of salt and pepper to enhance the flavor!

2. Adding the spinach: Once the meat is cooked, add the spinach to the skillet. If using fresh spinach, it will reduce significantly in volume. Cook the mixture for 5-10 minutes until the spinach wilts and loses some of its water. Add the lemon juice and mix well. Then, remove the mixture from heat and let it cool slightly.

3. Preparing the pastry sheets: While the turkey and spinach mixture cools, prepare the pastry sheets. Brush each sheet with a thin layer of oil, then cut them in half lengthwise and into thirds widthwise. You will get 24 rectangles that will form the base of the bites.

4. Forming the bites: Place the dough rectangles into muffin tins, pressing gently to shape them into bites. Ensure that the edges of the pastry sheets slightly exceed the edges of the mold for an attractive appearance.

5. Filling the bites: Divide the turkey and spinach mixture evenly among the bites. Each bite should be filled with enough mixture to be tasty, but not so full that it overflows.

6. Adding cheese: Slice the mozzarella thinly and place a slice on top of each bite. If you prefer a lower-calorie option, you can replace the mozzarella with quail eggs, cracked on top of the spinach 3-5 minutes before removing the bites from the oven.

7. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius and place the tray with the bites inside. Bake for 15-20 minutes until the pastry is golden and crispy, and the cheese melts and becomes slightly browned.

8. Serving: Let the bites cool slightly before removing them from the tray. These bites can be served warm or at room temperature, making them ideal for a party or a picnic. They pair perfectly with a fresh green salad or a tzatziki sauce.

Nutritional Benefits:
Spinach and turkey bites are an excellent choice for a balanced meal. Turkey meat is a rich source of lean protein, while spinach is packed with vitamins A, C, and K, as well as minerals like iron. Mozzarella adds a healthy dose of calcium. Together, they provide a nutritious, filling, and flavorful meal.

Tips and Variations:
- Vary the filling: Instead of turkey, you can use chicken or even tofu for a vegetarian option. Add spices like cumin or paprika for an extra kick.
- Add vegetables: You can incorporate other vegetables, such as mushrooms or sautéed onions, into the spinach mixture to diversify the textures and flavors.
- Store them: The bites can be kept in the refrigerator for 2-3 days, but I recommend reheating them in the oven to maintain their crispy texture.

Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use frozen spinach? Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw and drain it well before adding it to the turkey mixture.
- How many bites can I make? This recipe yields 12 bites, but you can adjust the quantities as needed.
- Can I prepare the bites in advance? Yes, you can prepare the bites and freeze them before baking. When you decide to cook them, let them thaw in the refrigerator and then bake according to the instructions.

These spinach and turkey bites are not just a culinary delight, but also an opportunity to experiment and enjoy cooking. Don't hesitate to add a personal touch to your recipe by incorporating ingredients you love or adapting it to your taste! Savor every bite and enjoy the time spent in the kitchen. Bon appétit!