Fantasia di Rustici (Rustic Bites Platter)
Category: Appetizers
Serves: 24 pieces
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Discs of puff pastry | 6 |
| Mozzarella | 125g |
| Cooked ham | 100g |
| Discs of puff pastry | 4 |
| Spinach | 70g |
| Feta cheese | 30g |
| Extra virgin olive oil | 10g |
| Salt | to taste |
| Black pepper | to taste |
| Discs of puff pastry | 1 |
| Mini sausages (Wurstel) | 6 |
| Poppy seeds | to taste |
| Egg | 1 |
| Discs of puff pastry | 4 |
| Tomato passata | 100g |
| Smoked mozzarella (Provola) | 100g |
| Anchovies in olive oil | 4 |
Instructions:
1. Mozzarella & Ham Rolls:
Start by preparing the mozzarella and ham rolls. Slice the mozzarella into 6 equal portions. Unwrap the discs of puff pastry, remove the plastic sheet they are resting on, and place them on a flat work surface. Place a slice of mozzarella in the center of each disc. Fold the edges of the pastry over the mozzarella to create a crescent shape. Seal the edges by pressing down with the tines of a fork to ensure they stay closed. Repeat this process until you have 6 rolls. Arrange the rolls on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
2. Spinach Triangles:
Wash and dry the spinach thoroughly, then place it in a pan with a drizzle of olive oil. Cover with a lid and cook until the spinach wilts. Once cooked, remove from the heat and allow it to cool slightly. Once cooled, chop the spinach and mix it with crumbled feta cheese. Place this mixture onto the center of each pastry disc and fold each one into a triangle. Press down the edges using a fork to seal them. Arrange these triangles on the baking tray alongside the mozzarella and ham rolls.
3. Mini Wurstel Bites:
For the mini wurstel bites, place one disc of puff pastry on your work surface and cut it into 6 strips using a pastry cutter. Take each mini sausage (wurstel) and wrap each one with a strip of puff pastry, stretching it slightly as you wrap. Arrange these wrapped sausages on the same tray. Brush the surface of all the pastries (rolls, triangles, and wurstel) with a beaten egg and sprinkle poppy seeds on top.
4. Baking:
Preheat your oven to 200°C (392°F) for static heat, or 180°C (356°F) for fan-assisted ovens. Place the tray in the oven and bake the pastries for 10 minutes, or 8 minutes if using a fan oven, until golden and crispy.
5. Preparing the Pizzette:
While the first batch of pastries is baking, prepare the pizzette. Cut the smoked mozzarella (provola) into cubes. Place 4 discs of puff pastry on a parchment-lined baking tray. Spoon a small amount of tomato passata into the center of each disc, leaving the edges free. Top the passata with the cubes of mozzarella and place half an anchovy on top of each pizzetta.
6. Baking the Pizzette:
Once the first batch of pastries is golden and cooked through, remove them from the oven and set them aside. Place the pizzette in the oven and bake for another 10 minutes (or 8 minutes in a fan-assisted oven) at the same temperature, until golden and crispy.
7. Final Touches & Serving:
Once all the pastries are baked and golden, remove from the oven and let them cool slightly. Arrange the mozzarella and ham rolls, spinach triangles, mini wurstel bites, and pizzette on a large serving platter. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Enjoy your Fantasia di Rustici, a delightful assortment of savory pastry bites, perfect for any gathering or as an appetizer for your next meal!
This recipe is sure to impress with its variety and burst of flavors. The crispy pastry, creamy mozzarella, savory ham, fresh spinach, tangy feta, and spicy anchovies all come together to create an unforgettable bite-sized appetizer. Perfect for your next party or family gathering, this rustic platter is sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
