Savory Puff Pastry Hearts (Cuori di Sfoglia Salati)
If you’re looking for an appetizer that combines elegance with an irresistible taste, these savory puff pastry hearts are the perfect choice. Ideal for parties, family gatherings, or any special occasion, these delightful morsels offer a satisfying crunch with a creamy and savory filling. Whether you’re a fan of shrimp or olives, there’s a filling to satisfy every palate. Follow this detailed guide for a perfect result every time.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Egg | 1 |
| Puff Pastry | 1 sheet |
| Shrimp (peeled and deveined) | 80g |
| Butter | 10g |
| Brandy | to taste |
| Tomato Sauce (Passata di Pomodoro) | 1 tablespoon |
| Robiola Cheese | 80g |
| Fresh Thyme | to taste |
| Cream Cheese (spreadable) | 100g |
| Fresh Cream (liquid) | 1 teaspoon |
| Green Olives | 8 |
Instructions
Step 1: Preparing the Puff Pastry
Start by preheating your oven to 200°C (390°F). Lay the puff pastry sheet on a flat surface and use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to create 24 heart-shaped pieces. You will need 8 hearts to remain whole, and 16 to be cut into smaller hearts using a smaller heart-shaped cutter (1-2 cm). This will allow you to stack the layers and create a delicate, airy texture once baked.
Place the whole hearts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. For the smaller hearts, place them gently over the larger hearts, ensuring that each layer is brushed with a little egg wash (a beaten egg) to help the pastry adhere well when baked. Brush the final layer with egg wash as well, giving it a golden finish once baked.
Bake the puff pastry hearts for approximately 10 minutes or until they are puffed up and golden brown. Once out of the oven, let the hearts cool on a cooling rack to prevent them from becoming soggy.
Step 2: Preparing the Olive Cream Filling
While the pastry hearts are cooling, you can prepare the olive cream filling. Start by finely chopping 4 green olives and mixing them with cream cheese (100g) in a small bowl. Add a teaspoon of fresh cream or milk to the mixture to achieve a smooth, creamy consistency. Stir well until the ingredients are fully combined.
Once the puff pastry hearts are cool, fill each of the 8 whole hearts with the olive and cream cheese mixture. This rich filling will contrast beautifully with the flaky puff pastry for a delightful taste experience.
Step 3: Preparing the Shrimp Filling
For the shrimp filling, start by heating 10g of butter in a pan over medium heat. Add the shrimp (or small prawns) and sauté until they are cooked through, turning pink and tender. Once the shrimp are cooked, add a splash of brandy and let it cook off. Then, stir in 1 tablespoon of tomato sauce (passata di pomodoro) and allow it to simmer for a couple of minutes to combine the flavors.
Once the shrimp mixture has cooled slightly, fill the remaining 8 puff pastry hearts with the shrimp and tomato sauce mixture. Garnish with fresh thyme leaves to enhance the aroma and taste of the dish.
Step 4: Assembling the Hearts
After filling the pastry hearts with the respective fillings (olive and cream cheese or shrimp and tomato sauce), arrange them beautifully on a serving platter. You can garnish with additional fresh thyme or a sprinkle of grated cheese if desired. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
These savory puff pastry hearts make for a fantastic appetizer that will impress your guests with their delicate layers and flavorful fillings. Whether you’re preparing them for a festive gathering, a casual dinner, or a special celebration, these delightful treats are sure to steal the spotlight.
Tips & Variations:
- For a vegetarian option, you can substitute the shrimp with cooked mushrooms or a mixture of sautéed vegetables.
- Experiment with different types of cheese like goat cheese or ricotta to create variations in flavor.
- These savory hearts can also be prepared in advance. Simply assemble them, freeze them before baking, and bake them fresh when you’re ready to serve.
Nutritional Information (per serving, based on 4 servings):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 250 |
| Protein | 10g |
| Carbohydrates | 28g |
| Fats (total) | 14g |
| Saturated Fat | 5g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sugars | 3g |
| Sodium | 350mg |
| Cholesterol | 50mg |
These savory puff pastry hearts are a versatile and delightful dish to prepare for any occasion, combining the perfect balance of creamy fillings and crisp, flaky pastry. Whether you choose the olive or shrimp variation, these delicious hearts will surely be a hit!
