Spinach And Feta Pastry Twists (Print Page)
Crispy puff pastry spirals with a Mediterranean spinach and feta filling
# What You Need:
→ For the Filling
01 - 7 ounces fresh spinach or 5.25 ounces frozen spinach, thawed and drained
02 - 5.3 ounces feta cheese, crumbled
03 - 1 small onion, finely chopped
04 - 1 garlic clove, minced
05 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
06 - 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
07 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
→ For the Pastry
08 - 1 sheet (8.8 ounces) ready-rolled puff pastry, preferably all-butter
09 - 1 egg, beaten
10 - 1 tablespoon sesame seeds or nigella seeds (optional, for sprinkling)
# Directions:
01 - Preheat oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onion until softened, about 3 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds.
03 - Add the spinach to the skillet. If using fresh spinach, cook until wilted; if using thawed frozen spinach, cook until just warmed through. Remove from heat and eliminate excess moisture by pressing the mixture with a spoon or using a sieve. Allow to cool slightly.
04 - Stir in the crumbled feta cheese, ground nutmeg, salt, and pepper into the spinach mixture. Mix thoroughly to combine.
05 - Unroll the puff pastry sheet onto a lightly floured surface. Evenly spread the spinach and feta filling over half of the pastry, leaving a small border.
06 - Fold the pastry in half to encase the filling. Press gently to seal. Using a sharp knife, cut into 12 strips, each approximately 3/4 inch wide.
07 - Twist each strip gently and arrange on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the twists with the beaten egg and sprinkle with seeds if desired.
08 - Transfer to the oven and bake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until the twists are golden and crisp. Allow to cool slightly before serving.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- There&39;s a secret joy in how quickly these twists come together—and how show-stopping they look on any appetizer table.
- This recipe is one of those rare finds: minimal mess, maximum flavor payoff, and guaranteed to be the first plate emptied by friends.
02 -
- If you skip draining the spinach, you&39;ll end up with soggy pastry—trust me on this one.
- Twisting the strips gently, even if they look messy, always leads to a more beautiful finish after baking.
03 -
- Brushing the twists with melted butter as soon as they emerge from the oven amps up their shine and richness.
- Puff pastry will always bake flakier if you keep it as cold as possible until it hits the oven.