Homemade Rolled Crispy Pastries with Spinach and Feta Filling
There’s something undeniably satisfying about biting into a freshly baked pastry that’s both crispy and filled with delicious ingredients. These homemade rolled crispy pastries combine a flaky, buttery crust with a savory spinach and feta filling, creating a delightful treat suitable for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a gathering, looking for a hearty snack, or aiming to impress at a potluck, this recipe offers a unique twist on traditional pastries. Best of all, it’s versatile enough to accommodate various fillings, so feel free to get creative!
Ingredients
For the Pastry Dough:
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cut into small cubes
- ½ cup ice water (more if needed)
For the Spinach and Feta Filling:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 10 ounces fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 6 ounces feta cheese, crumbled
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Sesame seeds or nigella seeds (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Pastry Dough
- Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 2½ cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1 teaspoon of sugar until well combined.
- Cut in the Butter:
- Add the 1 cup of chilled, cubed unsalted butter to the dry mixture.
- Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized pieces remaining.
- Add Ice Water:
- Gradually pour in ½ cup of ice water, stirring gently with a fork after each addition.
- If the dough seems too dry, add more ice water 1 tablespoon at a time until the dough just comes together.
- Form and Chill the Dough:
- Gather the dough into a ball without overworking it.
- Flatten it into a disk, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This resting period allows the gluten to relax and the butter to firm up, resulting in a flakier pastry.
2. Prepare the Spinach and Feta Filling
- Sauté Aromatics:
- In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
- Cook the Spinach:
- Add the 10 ounces of chopped fresh spinach to the skillet.
- Cook until the spinach has wilted and most of the moisture has evaporated, approximately 5-7 minutes.
- Season the Mixture:
- Stir in ¼ teaspoon of ground nutmeg (if using), salt, and black pepper to taste.
- Remember that feta cheese is salty, so adjust the seasoning accordingly.
- Combine with Feta:
- Transfer the spinach mixture to a bowl and allow it to cool slightly.
- Mix in the 6 ounces of crumbled feta cheese until evenly distributed.
3. Assemble the Pastries
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Roll Out the Dough:
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough into a large rectangle about ⅛-inch thick.
- Cut the Dough:
- Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, divide the dough into rectangles measuring approximately 4×6 inches.
- Add the Filling:
- Place about 2 tablespoons of the spinach and feta filling along one of the short edges of each dough rectangle, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Roll the Pastries:
- Starting from the edge with the filling, tightly roll the dough over the filling toward the opposite end.
- Seal the edge by pressing it gently; you can use a bit of water to help it stick if necessary.
- Optionally, tuck the ends under or press them with a fork to seal.
- Prepare for Baking:
- Arrange the rolled pastries seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Brush the tops with the beaten egg to give them a golden sheen.
- Sprinkle with sesame seeds or nigella seeds for added flavor and texture, if desired.
4. Bake the Pastries
- Bake:
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the pastries are golden brown and crisp.
- Cool and Serve:
- Remove the pastries from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes.
- Transfer to a wire rack to cool slightly before serving.
- Enjoy them warm for the best taste and texture.
Tips and Variations
- Alternate Fillings:
- Mushroom and Goat Cheese: Sauté sliced mushrooms with thyme and mix with goat cheese.
- Chicken and Pesto: Combine shredded cooked chicken with pesto sauce.
- Sweet Option: Fill with apple slices tossed in cinnamon and sugar for a dessert version.
- Make Ahead:
- The pastries can be assembled and frozen before baking. Place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Bake from frozen, adding an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time.
- Serving Suggestions:
- Serve with a side of tzatziki sauce or marinara for dipping.
- Pair with a fresh salad for a light meal.
These rolled crispy pastries are more than just a snack; they’re a testament to the joy of homemade baking. The flaky crust pairs perfectly with the rich, savory filling, making each bite a harmonious blend of textures and flavors. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different ingredients to create your own signature pastry. Baking is as much about creativity as it is about following a recipe, so let your culinary imagination run wild. Happy baking!