Ingredients
Pastry
- 2 sheets Puff Pastry Sheets, thawed (store-bought or homemade)
Spinach Filling
- 2 cups Fresh Spinach, chopped (can substitute with baby kale or Swiss chard)
- 1 cup Ricotta Cheese (cottage cheese works as a substitute)
- 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese, grated (Pecorino Romano can be used)
- 1 Egg, beaten (for egg wash to achieve golden color)
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder (fresh minced garlic can be used)
- Salt & Pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil (optional for sautéing spinach)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Prepare the spinach filling: Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped spinach and sauté until wilted, then remove from heat and let cool slightly. In a mixing bowl, combine the sautéed spinach with ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well until the filling is smooth and evenly blended.
- Prepare the puff pastry: Unfold the thawed puff pastry sheets on a lightly floured surface. Cut each sheet into 4 to 6 squares depending on desired size, creating individual portions for stuffing.
- Fill the pastry: Place 1 to 2 tablespoons of the spinach and ricotta mixture into the center of each pastry square. Fold each square into a triangle or rectangle shape, then seal the edges firmly by pressing with the tines of a fork, ensuring the filling doesn’t leak during baking.
- Apply egg wash: Using a pastry brush, generously brush the tops of each stuffed pastry with the beaten egg. This will give a beautiful golden and glossy finish once baked.
- Bake: Transfer the filled pastries onto the prepared baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the pastries are puffed up and golden brown.
- Serve warm: Allow the pastries to cool for 5 minutes after baking. Serve warm, optionally accompanied by tzatziki or marinara sauce for dipping to enhance the Mediterranean flavors.
Notes
- You can substitute fresh spinach with baby kale or Swiss chard for a different flavor profile.
- If ricotta is unavailable, cottage cheese is a good alternative, though the texture will be slightly different.
- Fresh garlic can be used instead of garlic powder for a stronger garlic flavor; adjust quantity to taste.
- For a crispier crust, ensure the puff pastry remains cold until ready to bake.
- These pastries can be frozen before baking; bake directly from frozen by adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
- Serve with complementary dips such as tzatziki, marinara, or a yogurt-based sauce for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian