Savory Puff Pastry with Minced Meat and Cheese is a delicious and satisfying dish that combines the flakiness of puff pastry with the savory flavors of seasoned minced meat and melted cheese. It’s perfect for a quick meal, snack, or appetizer. Here’s a simple recipe for you to try:
Ingredients:
- 1 sheet of puff pastry (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef, lamb, or a combination of both
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (or regular paprika)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional, for a subtle warmth)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 cup grated cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend of both work well)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1/4 cup beef broth (or water)
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- Fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Filling:
- In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Add the ground meat to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon or spatula as it cooks (about 5-7 minutes). Drain any excess fat if necessary.
- Stir in the tomato paste, cumin, paprika, cinnamon (if using), black pepper, and salt. Cook for 1-2 minutes to allow the spices to become fragrant.
- Add the beef broth (or water) and stir everything together. Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the liquid to reduce and the flavors to meld. The filling should be moist but not too wet. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Remove the skillet from the heat and let the mixture cool for a few minutes. Then, stir in the grated cheese, allowing it to melt into the meat mixture.
2. Assemble the Puff Pastry:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Roll out the puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface. If you’re using store-bought pastry, it usually comes rolled out, but you can trim it to fit your needs.
- Cut the puff pastry into rectangles or squares, depending on how large you want your individual pastries to be (about 4-6 pieces from one sheet of puff pastry).
- Place a spoonful of the cooled meat mixture in the center of each pastry piece. Be careful not to overfill it.
3. Seal the Pastry:
- Fold the puff pastry over the filling to form a pocket or triangle shape (like a turnover). Press the edges together with your fingers or use a fork to crimp and seal the edges securely.
- Place the assembled pastries on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Egg Wash and Bake:
- In a small bowl, beat the egg and brush it over the top of each pastry to give them a golden, glossy finish when baked.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden and crisp. The cheese and meat filling should be hot and bubbling inside.
5. Serve:
- Allow the savory puff pastries to cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs like chopped parsley or cilantro for a burst of color and flavor, if desired.
Tips:
- Variety of Meat: Feel free to experiment with different types of minced meat, such as ground turkey, chicken, or pork, depending on your preference.
- Cheese Variations: You can use different types of cheese, like feta, goat cheese, or provolone, for a unique flavor twist.
- Add Vegetables: You can add finely chopped vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms to the filling for added flavor and nutrition.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare these pastries in advance and freeze them before baking. Just brush with the egg wash, freeze them on a baking sheet, and transfer to a zip-top bag. When you’re ready to bake, just pop them directly into the oven (add a few extra minutes to the baking time if frozen).
These Savory Puff Pastry with Minced Meat and Cheese pockets are perfect for parties, meal prep, or a delicious snack any time of the day! Enjoy!