Crispy Fillo Rolls with Shrimp and Spinach

Fillo Pastry Rolls with Shrimp and Spinach

Category: Appetizers
Servings: 4

Ingredients

Instructions

To create this delicious recipe for Fillo Pastry Rolls with Shrimp and Spinach, follow these steps carefully, and you’ll have a savory, crispy appetizer that’s full of flavor.

1. Prepare the Spinach
   Start by cleaning and washing the spinach. If you prefer, you can purchase pre-washed, ready-to-cook spinach, saving time on preparation. Place a pan on the stove and add a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. If you like, you can also add a clove of garlic for extra flavor. Once the oil is heated, add the spinach to the pan. Let the spinach cook for about 5 to 6 minutes, allowing it to wilt in its own moisture. Season with a pinch of salt and black pepper to taste. Cover the pan with a lid during cooking to help the spinach retain its moisture. Once the spinach is cooked, remove the garlic (if used), squeeze out any excess moisture by pressing the spinach into a colander, and set it aside to drain further.

2. Prepare the Shrimp
   While the spinach is cooking, clean the shrimp by rinsing them under cold water. Remove the heads, legs, and shells. Once cleaned, chop the shrimp into small bite-sized pieces, about 1 cm in size. Place a separate pan on the stove, add a bit of olive oil, and heat it. Once hot, add the shrimp and season with a little salt. Sauté the shrimp briefly until they are just cooked through, then remove them from the heat and set them aside to cool.

3. Make the Filling
   In a small pan, melt the butter over low heat. Once melted, set the butter aside to cool slightly. In a mixing bowl, combine the drained spinach, shrimp, and pine nuts, and mix them gently to combine. Add salt and pepper to taste. Drizzle in the melted butter and stir everything together to ensure the ingredients are evenly coated.

4. Prepare the Fillo Pastry
   On a clean work surface, unroll the fillo pastry. Take one sheet of fillo pastry and carefully brush it with the melted butter. Place another sheet of fillo pastry on top, pressing gently so the two sheets adhere together. This layering helps give the rolls a crisp, flaky texture when baked.

   Using a sharp knife or scissors, cut the fillo pastry into four equal rectangles (approximately 12 cm x 24 cm). To do this, fold the pastry in half lengthwise, then cut along the fold to create two equal strips. Repeat this for the remaining pastry sheets, resulting in four rectangles.

5. Assemble the Rolls
   At the bottom edge of each rectangle, place a spoonful of the shrimp and spinach mixture. Carefully fold the lower left corner of the rectangle towards the opposite long edge to form a triangle. Continue folding the pastry in a triangular shape, rolling it up tightly to the end of the rectangle. This will create a neat, triangular roll. Repeat this process with the remaining sheets of fillo pastry, and you’ll have about 12 filled rolls.

6. Bake the Involtini
   Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place the assembled rolls on the sheet, ensuring that they don’t touch each other. Brush the tops of the rolls with the beaten egg yolks to give them a golden, glossy finish when baked. For a final touch, sprinkle a little poppy seed on top for added texture and visual appeal.

7. Baking Time
   Bake the rolls in the preheated oven for about 20 to 25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside. Keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t over-bake or burn.

8. Serve
   Once the involtini are baked to perfection, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool slightly before serving. These crispy, savory rolls are perfect as an appetizer or a side dish for any meal. The combination of the crispy fillo pastry, tender shrimp, and the earthy flavor of spinach will surely delight your guests.

These Fillo Pastry Rolls with Shrimp and Spinach are a wonderful way to start any meal. The delicate texture of the fillo pastry, combined with the savory filling, makes them an irresistible treat that everyone will love. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a cozy family meal, these rolls will add a touch of elegance and delicious flavor to your table.

Enjoy your meal and share the love with those you care about!