Delicious Vol-au-Vent with Tuna Filling: A Perfect Appetizer
Vol-au-vent are delightful puff pastry cases that can be filled with a variety of scrumptious fillings, making them the perfect choice for appetizers or party snacks. These vol-au-vent with a creamy tuna filling, accented with fresh parsley and a touch of Sichuan pepper, are sure to impress your guests with both flavor and presentation. The golden, crispy pastry complements the rich and tangy filling, making each bite a delightful experience. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, preparing a holiday feast, or simply looking for an elegant starter, these vol-au-vent are a great choice.
Ingredients (For 4 Servings):
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Puff pastry dough | 230g |
| Whole milk | As needed |
| Mayonnaise | 130g |
| Sour cream | 50g |
| Canned tuna in oil | 50g |
| Fresh parsley | As needed |
| Sichuan pepper | As needed |
Instructions:
Step 1: Preparing the Pastry
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Begin by rolling out the puff pastry dough on a clean, lightly floured surface. Use a round cookie cutter or a glass to cut 12 discs of approximately 7 cm in diameter. These will form the base of your vol-au-vent.
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Place 4 of the discs on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Then, take the remaining 8 discs and, using a smaller cookie cutter (about 3 cm in diameter), carefully cut out the center of each disc. You should now have 8 small, ring-shaped pastry pieces.
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Brush the ring-shaped pieces with a small amount of whole milk to help them brown beautifully in the oven.
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Prick the center of the large discs with a fork. This will prevent them from puffing up too much during baking.
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Next, place the smaller, ring-shaped discs on top of the larger discs—two rings for each vol-au-vent. Be sure they are positioned properly to create the classic “case” shape.
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Brush everything lightly with milk once again, then place the tray in the oven.
Step 2: Baking the Pastry
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Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Bake the assembled puff pastry discs for approximately 12–15 minutes, or until golden brown and crisp. Keep a close eye on them to prevent over-browning.
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Once the vol-au-vent cases are fully baked, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool completely on a wire rack.
Step 3: Preparing the Filling
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While the pastry is cooling, it’s time to prepare the tuna filling. Start by draining the canned tuna and breaking it into small pieces in a mixing bowl.
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Add the mayonnaise and sour cream to the tuna. Stir the mixture well to combine the ingredients into a creamy consistency.
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Chop fresh parsley finely and add it to the tuna mixture for a burst of freshness and color.
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Season the filling with Sichuan pepper to taste, adding a touch of spice and flavor. If you prefer a milder version, feel free to skip the pepper or use a pinch of black pepper instead.
Step 4: Assembling the Vol-au-Vent
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Transfer the filling into a piping bag, making sure it’s ready for easy filling of the pastry cases.
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Once the vol-au-vent pastry shells have cooled, use the piping bag to fill them generously with the creamy tuna mixture. Ensure the filling is distributed evenly, filling each pastry case to the top.
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For the finishing touch, sprinkle a little extra freshly ground Sichuan pepper on top, and garnish with a few fresh basil leaves for added color and aroma.
Step 5: Serving
- Your vol-au-vent with tuna filling are now ready to serve! These bite-sized treats make a perfect appetizer, and you can enjoy them on their own or with a side of fresh salad for a more substantial snack.
These vol-au-vent are a delicious combination of crisp, buttery pastry and a creamy, flavorful tuna filling. They are sure to be a hit at any gathering, whether it’s a casual family meal or a more sophisticated dinner party. Enjoy these light, savory treats with a glass of white wine or a refreshing cocktail, and let their delightful taste elevate your next event.
Tips:
- You can experiment with different fillings based on your preferences. For example, try using smoked salmon, crab, or a vegetarian option like mushrooms or spinach for a unique twist.
- If you’re in a time crunch, store-bought puff pastry dough can be a lifesaver, saving you time in the kitchen while still providing delicious results.
- If you have leftover filling, it pairs wonderfully with crackers or as a spread for toast the next day!
Enjoy preparing and savoring these elegant vol-au-vent, perfect for any occasion that calls for a little sophistication and a lot of flavor!
