Lasagna

Delicious Recipe for Puff Pastry with Ground Meat and Mushrooms

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 60 minutes
Total time: 90 minutes
Number of servings: 6-8

Welcome to my kitchen! Today, I will guide you through the preparation of a recipe that has become a weekend favorite of mine: a crispy puff pastry filled with ground meat and mushrooms. This recipe is not only delicious but also very versatile, allowing you to experiment with different ingredients and flavors. So, get ready to be impressed!

A brief history of the recipe

Puff pastry has deep roots in culinary tradition and is appreciated in many cuisines around the world. There are numerous variations, from sweet to savory, and today we focus on a savory, delicious, and hearty version. This recipe combines the crispy texture of puff pastry with rich and flavorful fillings, creating a perfect balance.

Ingredients

For the puff pastry
- 1 package of butter (margarine) – 250 g
- 2 large eggs
- 9 tablespoons of oil
- 1 pinch of baking soda
- 1 packet of baking powder
- 11 tablespoons of water
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- Flour as needed (approximately 600 g)

For the filling
- 1 kg of ground meat (mix of pork and beef, or your preference)
- 1 can of mushrooms (450 g)
- 250 g of cheese (preferably smoked, for extra flavor)
- 2 medium onions
- A few cloves of garlic, finely chopped
- 1-2 peppers (bell peppers or capia, ideally roasted and frozen)
- Tomato sauce (approximately 400 g)
- Oil for sautéing

Necessary utensils
- A pot
- A large bowl
- A baking tray
- A cooking spatula
- A knife and a cutting board
- A work surface
- A rolling pin

Preparation

Step 1: Preparing the puff pastry
1. Melting the margarine: In a pot, melt 250 g of margarine over medium heat. Once completely melted, take 9 tablespoons of it and put them in a bowl.
2. Adding the oil: To the 9 tablespoons of margarine, add 9 tablespoons of oil. Put the pot back on the heat and bring to a boil.
3. Creating the roux: Once the mixture starts boiling, gradually add flour, stirring constantly, until a thicker roux forms. Let it cool to room temperature.
4. Preparing the dough: In the bowl with the remaining margarine, add the 2 eggs, 11 tablespoons of water, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and flour until you obtain a homogeneous and easy-to-roll dough. The dough should be elastic and easy to handle.
5. Rolling out the dough: On a well-floured work surface, roll out the dough as thin as possible. This step is essential for achieving a crispy puff pastry.

Step 2: Preparing the filling
1. Sauté the onion: In a frying pan, add a little oil and sauté the finely chopped onion until it becomes translucent. This will add sweetness to the filling.
2. Add the meat: Add the ground meat and season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook until the meat is fully cooked. Finally, add the tomato sauce, mix well, and let it simmer for a few minutes.
3. Preparing the mushroom sauce: In the same pan, add oil and sauté the remaining onion. Once softened, add the chopped mushrooms, garlic, and pepper. Cook until the mushrooms are soft and all the water has evaporated.

Step 3: Assembling the dish
1. Spread the roux: On the rolled-out dough, evenly spread the cooled roux, leaving a few centimeters free at the edges.
2. Add the fillings: Evenly distribute the ground meat sauce, the pasta (prepared according to package instructions), and then the mushroom sauce. Grate the cheese on top.
3. Roll the dough: Carefully roll the dough from one side to the other, forming a large roll. Make sure the filling does not spill out the edges.
4. Cooling: Place the roll in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to firm up a bit.

Step 4: Baking
1. Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius.
2. Bake the puff pastry: Remove the roll from the refrigerator, place it in a baking tray lined with baking paper, and bake for about 60 minutes or until golden and crispy.

Serving and suggestions
Let the puff pastry cool slightly before cutting it. Serve warm, alongside a fresh salad or a side of steamed vegetables. Offer a bottle of white wine or freshly squeezed juice to complement the meal.

Variations and useful tips
- Filling variations: You can experiment with different types of meat, such as chicken or turkey, or even with vegetables for a vegetarian version.
- Adding spices: Try adding fresh herbs, such as parsley or dill, to the filling for extra flavor.
- Storing the dough: If you want to prepare the puff pastry in advance, you can freeze it. Roll out the dough and roll it up, then wrap it in cling film and freeze it, ready for use.

Nutritional information (per serving)
- Calories: approximately 450
- Protein: 25 g
- Fat: 28 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g

This puff pastry with ground meat and mushrooms is not only a delicious meal but also an excellent way to bring family and friends together around the table. Enjoy cooking and don’t forget to savor every bite!