Looking for a savory snack that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare? These flaky spinach pastries are the perfect answer! With a soft, buttery dough and a rich, flavorful spinach filling, this recipe creates irresistible pastries that are ideal for breakfast, lunch, or even as a party appetizer. The combination of tender dough and seasoned spinach will have you reaching for seconds. Let’s dive into this unique and mouth-watering recipe!
Ingredients:
For the Dough:
- 1 teaspoon sugar (6 g)
- 1 teaspoon yeast (3 g)
- 2 cups warm water (400 ml)
- 4.5 cups all-purpose flour (470 g)
- 1 teaspoon salt (6 g)
For the Spinach Filling:
- 250 g (8.8 oz) fresh spinach
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
For Rolling Out the Dough:
- 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
- 1.5 tablespoons cornstarch
To Grease the Dough:
- 160 g (5.6 oz) butter, melted
Instructions:
- Prepare the Dough:
- In a small bowl, mix the sugar and yeast into the warm water. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy, indicating the yeast is activated.
- In a spacious mixing bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
- Slowly pour in the yeast mixture, stirring to combine until a soft dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Cover with a kitchen towel and allow it to rest in a warm place for 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
- Prepare the Spinach Filling:
- While the dough is rising, wash and roughly chop the spinach. Set aside.
- Heat a little oil in a pan and sauté the finely chopped onion until translucent and fragrant.
- Add the spinach to the pan, stirring occasionally until the spinach wilts and releases its moisture. Season with salt and red pepper flakes for added spice.
- Cook until the liquid evaporates, then remove from heat. Let the filling cool completely.
- Roll Out the Dough:
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release air bubbles. Divide the dough into small portions for individual pastries.
- In a small bowl, mix the all-purpose flour and cornstarch for rolling out the dough.
- On a floured surface, roll each portion of dough into a thin circle.
- Assemble the Pastries:
- Brush the surface of each dough circle with melted butter.
- Spoon a generous amount of the spinach filling into the center of each dough round.
- Fold the edges of the dough over the filling to form a sealed pastry. Pinch the edges to prevent the filling from spilling out during baking.
- Bake the Pastries:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a baking tray with parchment paper.
- Arrange the assembled spinach pastries on the tray, ensuring they have enough space to expand slightly while baking.
- Brush the tops of the pastries with additional melted butter for a golden, flaky finish.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the pastries are golden brown and crispy on top.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Remove the pastries from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving.
- Serve these flaky spinach pastries as a savory snack or a light meal. Pair them with yogurt or a dipping sauce for extra flavor.
Conclusion:
These flaky spinach pastries are a delightful way to enjoy a savory, homemade treat. The soft, buttery dough complements the flavorful spinach and onion filling perfectly, creating a snack that’s satisfying and delicious. Whether you serve them as appetizers, snacks, or part of a meal, these pastries are sure to impress family and friends with their texture and taste. Enjoy the warm, comforting flavors of spinach encased in tender pastry!