Spinach and Feta Pastries Recipe

Spinach and Feta Pastries are flaky, golden puff pastries filled with a delicious
mixture of spinach, feta cheese, and aromatic seasonings. These savory pastries
are perfect for breakfast, brunch, snacks, or appetizers. Inspired by Greek
spanakopita, they are easy to prepare and bursting with flavor!

Ingredients

For the Filling:

• 2 cups fresh spinach, finely chopped (or 1 cup frozen spinach, thawed and drained)
• 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
• ½ cup ricotta cheese (optional, for extra creaminess)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
• 1 large egg (for the filling)

For the Pastry:

• 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
• 1 egg (for egg wash)
• 1 tablespoon water or milk (for egg wash)
• Sesame seeds (optional, for topping)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Filling

1. In a pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until soft
   (about 2-3 minutes).
2. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Stir in the chopped spinach and cook until wilted (about 2 minutes). If using frozen
   spinach, make sure it’s well-drained before adding.
4. Remove from heat and let the mixture cool slightly.
5. In a bowl, combine the feta cheese, ricotta cheese, salt, pepper, nutmeg, and one
   beaten egg. Mix well.
6. Add the cooked spinach mixture and stir to combine. Set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Pastry Dough

7. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
8. Lightly flour a surface and roll out the thawed puff pastry sheet if needed.
9. Cut the pastry into equal squares or rectangles, depending on your preferred size.

Step 3: Fill the Pastries

10. Place a spoonful of the spinach and feta mixture in the center of each pastry square.
11. Fold the pastry diagonally to form a triangle (or fold into a rectangle). Press the edges with
    a fork to seal the pastries.

Step 4: Egg Wash & Topping

12. In a small bowl, whisk one egg with 1 tablespoon of water or milk to create an egg wash.
13. Brush the top of each pastry with the egg wash for a golden color.
14. Sprinkle sesame seeds on top (optional).

Step 5: Bake the Pastries

15. Place the pastries on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between them.
16. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the pastries are golden brown and
    crispy.
17. Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving.

FAQs

1. Can I use phyllo dough instead of puff pastry?
   Yes! If using phyllo dough, brush each layer with melted butter and stack 3-4 layers before
   adding the filling.
2. Can I make these pastries ahead of time?
   Yes! You can assemble them and freeze unbaked for up to 2 months. Bake directly from
   frozen, adding an extra 5 minutes to the baking time.
3. How do I store leftovers?
   Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F
   (175°C) for 5 minutes to restore crispiness.
4. Can I add other cheeses to the filling?
   Absolutely! You can add mozzarella, parmesan, or cream cheese for extra richness.
5. What can I serve with these pastries?
   They go well with tzatziki sauce, a fresh Greek salad, or tomato soup for a complete meal.