Imagine biting into a warm, golden pastry with a flaky crust and a flavorful spinach filling seasoned with a touch of spice. These Delightful Spinach Pastries are more than just a snack—they’re a celebration of comforting textures and delicious flavors. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a savory addition to any gathering, this recipe offers a wonderful way to enjoy the natural goodness of spinach wrapped in homemade dough. And the best part? You don’t need to be a professional baker to master this recipe!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you’re looking for a recipe that combines wholesome ingredients with irresistible flavor, these spinach pastries will be your go-to choice. Here’s why they’re so special:
- Simple Ingredients: The recipe uses pantry staples like flour, butter, and spinach.
- Homemade Goodness: There’s something magical about making the dough from scratch—it’s softer, tastier, and free of unnecessary preservatives.
- Healthy and Flavorful: Spinach is rich in nutrients like iron and vitamin C, making these pastries a nourishing treat.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you serve them as a snack, a side dish, or a party appetizer, they’re guaranteed to impress.
Now, let’s dive into the details so you can make these delightful pastries at home!
Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need to make these delicious spinach pastries. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating the perfect texture and flavor.
For the Dough
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Sugar | 1 teaspoon (6 g) |
| Yeast | 1 leveled teaspoon (3 g) |
| Warm water | 2 cups (400 ml) |
| All-purpose flour | 4.5 cups (470 g) |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon (6 g) |
For the Filling
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Spinach (washed and chopped) | 250 g |
| Onion (finely chopped) | 1 |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon |
| Red pepper flakes | 1 teaspoon |
For Rolling Out the Dough
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 1.5 cups |
| Cornstarch | 1.5 tablespoons |
For Greasing the Dough
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Butter (melted) | 160 g |
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Dough
- In a small bowl, dissolve the sugar and yeast in warm water. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes until it becomes bubbly.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt. Create a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture.
- Stir the mixture until a dough begins to form.
- Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until it doubles in size.
2. Prepare the Filling
- In a large skillet, heat a small amount of oil over medium heat.
- Sauté the finely chopped onion until it’s tender and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the chopped spinach to the skillet and cook until wilted. Let any excess liquid evaporate.
- Season the filling with salt and red pepper flakes. Stir well and set aside to cool completely.
3. Roll Out the Dough
- Punch down the risen dough and divide it into equal portions.
- In a small bowl, mix the all-purpose flour and cornstarch to create a dusting mixture.
- Roll out each portion of dough on a lightly floured surface into thin circles or rectangles, about 1/8 inch thick.
4. Assemble the Pastries
- Place a spoonful of the spinach filling in the center of each piece of rolled dough.
- Fold the dough over the filling to form a pocket, pressing the edges to seal. Shape the pastries into triangles, rectangles, or any preferred shape.
- Brush each pastry with the melted butter to give it a golden, crispy finish.
5. Bake the Pastries
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange the pastries on it, leaving some space between each.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the pastries are golden brown and crispy.
6. Serve and Enjoy
- Remove the pastries from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving.
- Enjoy them warm or at room temperature, either on their own or with a dipping sauce of your choice!
Tips for Success
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh spinach and high-quality flour make all the difference in flavor and texture.
- Don’t Overfill: Avoid overstuffing the pastries, as this may cause them to break or leak during baking.
- Seal the Edges: Use a fork to crimp the edges of the dough for a tighter seal.
- Customize the Filling: Add crumbled feta, garlic, or herbs to the spinach filling for added flavor.
- Grease Generously: Brushing melted butter on the dough adds a rich flavor and a crispy texture.
Nutritional Highlights
These Delightful Spinach Pastries are not just tasty—they’re packed with nutritional benefits:
- Spinach: Rich in iron, calcium, and vitamins A and C.
- Onion: Adds a boost of antioxidants and flavor.
- Homemade Dough: Lower in sodium and free from preservatives compared to store-bought alternatives.
Serving Suggestions
These versatile spinach pastries can be enjoyed in a variety of ways:
- Breakfast or Brunch: Serve with a side of scrambled eggs or fresh fruit.
- Light Lunch: Pair with a simple green salad and a cup of soup.
- Party Appetizer: Serve as finger food at gatherings with a creamy dipping sauce or tzatziki.
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftover pastries in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: These pastries freeze well! Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use store-bought dough?
Yes, you can substitute homemade dough with pre-made puff pastry or phyllo dough for a quicker version.
2. Can I make the filling ahead of time?
Absolutely! The filling can be prepared up to 2 days in advance and stored in the fridge until you’re ready to assemble the pastries.
3. Can I add cheese to the filling?
Yes! Feta cheese pairs beautifully with spinach and adds a tangy flavor.
4. What can I serve with these pastries?
Serve them with tzatziki, hummus, or even a simple yogurt-based dipping sauce.
5. Can I bake instead of fry?
These pastries are baked, not fried, making them a healthier option without compromising flavor.
6. Are these pastries vegetarian-friendly?
Yes, this recipe is completely vegetarian, and you can customize the filling with more veggies or plant-based ingredients.
Conclusion
These Delightful Spinach Pastries are a treat that combines the best of flaky, golden pastry and a savory, nutrient-packed filling. Whether you’re hosting a brunch, looking for a snack, or just craving something homemade and delicious, this recipe is a winner. So grab your rolling pin, gather your ingredients, and get ready to impress your family and friends with these irresistible pastries!
Pro Tip: Double the recipe and freeze some for later—they’re perfect for those busy days when you need a quick and satisfying bite. Enjoy!
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Delightful Spinach Pastries: A Flavorful and Irresistible Treat
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 pastries
Description
These Delightful Spinach Pastries are golden, flaky, and packed with a savory spinach filling seasoned with a touch of spice. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a snack, they’re easy to make and absolutely irresistible. Whether you’re serving them warm or at room temperature, they’re sure to be a hit with family and friends!
Ingredients
For the Dough
- 1 teaspoon sugar (6 g)
- 1 leveled 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 Filling
- 250 g spinach, washed and chopped
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
For Rolling Out the Dough
- 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
- 1.5 tablespoons cornstarch
For Greasing the Dough
- 160 g butter, melted
Instructions
1. Prepare the Dough
- In a small bowl, dissolve the sugar and yeast in the warm water. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes until bubbly.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Create a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture.
- Mix until a dough forms, then transfer to a floured surface.
- Knead the dough for 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise for 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.
2. Prepare the Filling
- Heat a small amount of oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Sauté the onion until soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the chopped spinach and cook until wilted, allowing any excess liquid to evaporate.
- Season with salt and red pepper flakes. Remove from heat and let cool completely.
3. Roll Out the Dough
- Punch down the risen dough and divide it into equal portions.
- Mix the all-purpose flour and cornstarch in a small bowl for dusting.
- Roll out each dough portion on a floured surface to about 1/8 inch thickness, forming circles or rectangles.
4. Assemble the Pastries
- Place a spoonful of spinach filling in the center of each dough piece.
- Fold the dough over the filling to form pockets, sealing the edges tightly. You can shape them into triangles, rectangles, or any preferred shape.
- Brush each pastry with the melted butter for a golden, flaky finish.
5. Bake the Pastries
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Arrange the pastries on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving space between each.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
6. Serve and Enjoy
- Remove the pastries from the oven and allow them to cool slightly.
- Serve warm or at room temperature as a delicious snack or appetizer.
Notes
- Make Ahead: The dough and filling can be prepared in advance. Store the dough in the fridge for up to 24 hours, and refrigerate the filling in an airtight container.
- Customize the Filling: Add crumbled feta cheese, garlic, or your favorite herbs to enhance the flavor.
- Freezing Tip: Unbaked pastries can be frozen for up to 2 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding an extra 5 minutes to the baking time.
- Serving Suggestion: These pastries pair beautifully with tzatziki, hummus, or a yogurt-based dipping sauce.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
