Puff pastries with black olives and mozzarella

Black Olive and Mozzarella Pastries

Who can resist a warm snack, freshly baked, with a delicious filling and fluffy dough? Black olive and mozzarella pastries are a true culinary delight, perfect for any occasion – whether it's a party, a picnic, or simply a relaxing evening at home. Today's recipe is simple and quick, and the dough doesn't require long rising time, making it ideal for those who want to enjoy a tasty snack in a short time. Let's get started!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 25 minutes
Total time: 55 minutes
Number of servings: 20 pastries

Ingredients

For the dough:
- 1.1 kg flour
- 3 tablespoons dry yeast
- 750 ml warm water
- 220 ml sunflower oil
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt

For the filling:
- 200 g mozzarella or grated cheese
- 450 g pitted black olives

For brushing:
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 30 ml oil for greasing the trays
- 2-3 tablespoons poppy seeds or sesame seeds for sprinkling on the pastries

Recipe history

Stuffed pastries have a long-standing tradition in various culinary cultures, with deep roots in the customs of housewives around the world. Whether filled with meat, vegetables, or cheese, they have always been an excellent way to use available ingredients. Today, I will present to you a delicious variant that combines the intense flavors of black olives with the creaminess of mozzarella cheese, resulting in a truly savory snack.

Preparing the dough

1. Activating the yeast: In a large bowl, combine 3 cups of flour with 3 tablespoons of dry yeast, 3 tablespoons of sugar, and 750 ml of warm water. Mix well and let it rest for 10 minutes, covering the bowl with a clean towel. This step is essential to activate the yeast, which will help the dough become fluffy.

2. Adding dry ingredients: Once the yeast is frothy, add the remaining flour (about 1 kg) and 1 teaspoon of salt. Start kneading the dough, gradually adding 220 ml of sunflower oil. Knead well until the dough easily comes off your hands. This may take about 5-10 minutes.

3. Resting the dough: After kneading, let the dough rest for 10-15 minutes, covered with a damp towel. This resting moment will allow the gluten to relax, making it easier to shape the pastries.

Preparing the filling

4. Preparing the filling: In a separate bowl, chop the pitted black olives and mix them with 200 g of mozzarella or grated cheese. Make sure the mixture is well combined, and the flavor is evenly distributed. You can also add spices to taste, such as oregano or basil, for an extra flavor boost.

Shaping the pastries

5. Shaping the dough: On a lightly greased work surface with olive oil or sprinkled with flour, take a small piece of dough and form balls the size of a ping-pong ball. Cover the balls with a towel to prevent them from drying out.

6. Rolling out the dough: Take each ball and roll it out into a circle, approximately 10-12 cm in diameter. Make sure the edges are thin and evenly rolled.

7. Filling and folding: In the center of each circle, add a tablespoon of the olive and mozzarella filling. Then, fold the dough over the filling, forming a square. Gently press the edges to seal the pastries well. If desired, you can make a small cut on each square for a more attractive appearance.

8. Arranging the pastries: Place the pastries on a greased baking tray or lined with parchment paper. Preheat the oven to 200°C.

Baking

9. Brushing the pastries: In a small bowl, beat an egg with 2 tablespoons of milk and brush each pastry with this mixture. This will give a beautiful golden color after baking. Sprinkle poppy seeds or sesame seeds on top, as desired.

10. Baking: Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake the pastries for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy. You will smell the delicious aroma filling the kitchen!

Serving

11. Cooling and serving: Once the pastries are ready, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly on a plate. These pastries are delicious served warm, alongside hot tea, milk, or yogurt. Their taste pairs perfectly with a fresh vegetable salad or a refreshing drink.

Useful tips:

- Calories and nutritional benefits: Each pastry contains approximately 150 calories, being rich in protein from mozzarella and antioxidants from olives. It is an excellent option for a healthy snack, full of flavor and nutrients.
- Variations: You can experiment with different fillings, using various types of cheese, spinach, or even mushrooms. Each variant will bring a unique touch to this dish.
- Frequently asked questions:
- *Can I use green olives?* Absolutely! Green olives offer a different, but equally delicious flavor.
- *How can I store leftover pastries?* They can be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days and can be reheated in the oven to restore their crispy texture.

Personal note

These black olive and mozzarella pastries can be a wonderful choice to impress guests at a party or simply to treat your family. My memories of preparing these pastries are always filled with moments of joy and happiness around the table, and the aroma wafting from the oven always brings smiles to the faces of my loved ones. I encourage you to make them and enjoy them with your loved ones, turning every meal into a celebration.

So, let’s get our hands to work and enjoy this delicious recipe! Bon appétit!