Spinach in pastry

Delicious Spinach Puff Pastry Recipe

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 25-30 minutes
Total: 50-60 minutes
Servings: 4

Looking for a quick and tasty appetizer? Spinach in puff pastry is the ideal choice! This simple yet impressive dish will bring a perfect combination of textures and flavors to your table. Here’s how to successfully prepare it.

Ingredients:

- 300 g of fresh spinach (or frozen, thawed and well-drained)
- 200 g of feta cheese or ricotta (for a creamier touch)
- 1 egg (for the filling and for brushing)
- 1 clove of garlic (optional, for extra flavor)
- 1 sheet of puff pastry (about 250 g)
- 1 additional sheet of puff pastry
- 50 g of margarine (or butter, for a richer taste)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Sesame seeds or poppy seeds, for decoration (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preparing the filling: Start by washing the fresh spinach under cold running water. If using frozen spinach, make sure it’s completely thawed and well-drained. In a pan, add a little margarine and sauté the crushed garlic until golden. Add the spinach and sauté for 3-5 minutes until wilted. Allow to cool slightly.

2. Mixing the ingredients: In a bowl, combine the sautéed spinach with feta cheese or ricotta. Add one egg, salt, and pepper to taste. Mix well until you achieve a homogeneous mixture.

3. Preparing the pastry: Preheat the oven to 200 degrees Celsius. Roll out the first sheet of puff pastry into a greased round baking dish, ensuring the edges are raised. This will form the base of your delicious pie.

4. Filling the pie: Pour the spinach and cheese filling over the pastry in the dish, spreading it evenly.

5. Covering the pie: Use the second sheet of puff pastry to cover the filling. You can gently shape it with your hands to remove air from inside. This is an important step to avoid air bubbles during baking.

6. Finalizing and baking: Beat an egg and brush the surface of the pie with it to achieve a golden, crispy crust. If desired, sprinkle sesame seeds or poppy seeds on top for a more attractive look. Bake the pie in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until golden and fluffy.

7. Serving: Allow the pie to cool for a few minutes before cutting it into portions. You can serve it warm or at room temperature, alongside a fresh salad or a garlic yogurt sauce.

Practical tips:
- If you want to add extra flavor, you can include fresh herbs like dill or parsley in the spinach filling.
- For a vegetarian version, you can add cooked vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers to the filling.
- By using quality puff pastry, you’ll achieve a perfect, crispy, and slightly flaky crust.

This spinach in puff pastry is a quick and simple dish, ideal for a family dinner or to impress guests. Enjoy every bite of this delicious dish!