Rustici Leccesi – A Deliciously Savory Puff Pastry Snack
Rustici Leccesi, a beloved antipasto from the Puglia region of southern Italy, are small, golden-brown puff pastry pockets filled with a delectable blend of savory ingredients. Perfect as appetizers or party snacks, these treats bring together the richness of mozzarella, the tanginess of tomato sauce, and the creamy goodness of bΓ©chamel. The delicate puff pastry crisps up beautifully in the oven, forming layers that elevate the flavor profile of this irresistible snack.
Rustici Leccesi Recipe
Category: Appetizer (Antipasto)
Servings: 8
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Puff Pastry (Pasta Sfoglia) | 920g |
| Tomato Sauce (Passata di Pomodoro) | 30g |
| Mozzarella | 35g |
| Extra Virgin Olive Oil (Olio Extravergine d’Oliva) | to taste |
| Fine Salt (Sale Fino) | to taste |
| Whole Milk (Latte Intero) | 200g |
| All-Purpose Flour (Farina 00) | 20g |
| Butter (Burro) | 20g |
| Black Pepper (Pepe Nero) | to taste |
| Ground Nutmeg (Noce Moscata) | to taste |
| Egg (Uovo) | 1 |
Instructions:
-
Preparing the BΓ©chamel:
Begin by preparing a creamy bΓ©chamel sauce. In a small saucepan, melt 20g of butter over medium heat. Once melted, add 20g of flour and stir continuously to form a smooth roux. Let it cook for 1β2 minutes, ensuring the flour is fully incorporated. Slowly pour in 200g of whole milk, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Continue to cook until the sauce thickens, which should take about 5 minutes. Season with a pinch of salt, freshly ground black pepper, and a light dusting of ground nutmeg to taste. Once thickened, remove from heat and set aside to cool. -
Preparing the Fillings:
While the bΓ©chamel cools, prepare the other fillings. Slice the mozzarella into thin rounds and finely chop it. In a separate bowl, combine the mozzarella with 30g of tomato passata. Drizzle with a little extra virgin olive oil, and season with a pinch of salt and black pepper to taste. This mixture will be the savory filling inside your puff pastry. -
Shaping the Pastry:
Unroll the puff pastry and use a round cookie cutter to create 16 larger circles, each about 10 cm in diameter. Then, use a smaller cutter (8 cm in diameter) to create 8 smaller circles. You’ll need a total of 16 large discs and 8 small discs. Place the 8 larger discs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. -
Assembling the Rustici:
Brush the surface of each large pastry disc with a beaten egg. This egg wash will help the pastry puff up and achieve a golden color when baked.
Next, spoon a generous teaspoon of bΓ©chamel onto the center of each large pastry disc, followed by a teaspoon of the mozzarella and tomato mixture. Be careful not to overfill, as the pastry needs space to seal. -
Sealing the Pastry:
Carefully place a smaller disc of pastry on top of each filled large disc. Gently press the edges together with your fingers to seal, ensuring the filling stays inside during baking. To further ensure a tight seal, press around the edges with a fork. -
Final Egg Wash:
Brush the top of each assembled rustico with the remaining beaten egg. This step will give the pastries a glossy finish once baked and help them achieve that signature golden-brown crust. -
Baking:
Preheat your oven to 200Β°C (390Β°F) in static mode (no fan). Once heated, place the rustici on the middle rack and bake for approximately 20 minutes, or until they are puffed up and golden brown. Keep an eye on them, as baking times may vary slightly depending on your oven. -
Cooling and Serving:
Once the rustici are beautifully golden, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool slightly on a wire rack. This helps the flavors set and ensures that the filling doesn’t burn your mouth. Serve them warm or at room temperature.
Tips for Success:
- Pastry: Ensure your puff pastry is cold before working with it. This helps maintain its flakiness during baking.
- Filling: For an extra creamy filling, you can add a small spoonful of ricotta cheese to the mozzarella and tomato mixture.
- Serving Suggestions: These rustici leccesi are perfect for an appetizer or as part of a larger antipasto spread. Serve with a chilled glass of white wine or a refreshing iced tea.
- Storage: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. They can also be reheated in the oven to restore their crispness.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~280 kcal |
| Protein | 6g |
| Carbohydrates | 32g |
| Fat | 16g |
| Saturated Fat | 7g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sodium | ~320mg |
| Cholesterol | 45mg |
(Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on exact ingredients and serving sizes.)
Rustici Leccesi are a delightful and savory treat perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a party, enjoying a casual family meal, or simply craving a snack, these crispy pastries are sure to please. Their combination of creamy bΓ©chamel, mozzarella, and tomato makes each bite irresistibly flavorful. Enjoy this classic Puglian snack, and add a taste of Italy to your next meal!
