Puff Pastry with Ham, Ricotta, and Vegetables
Category: Appetizers
Servings: 8
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Puff Pastry | 460g |
| Cooked Ham (Prosciutto Cotto) | 630g |
| Green Beans (Fagiolini) | 200g |
| Carrots | 160g |
| Peas (Pisellini) | 160g |
| Pecorino Cheese | 50g |
| Ricotta Cheese | 500g |
| Thyme | 3 sprigs |
| Chives (Erba Cipollina) | To taste |
| Salt | 1 pinch |
| Extra Virgin Olive Oil | 10g |
| Egg | 1 |
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Vegetables:
- Start by washing all the vegetables thoroughly. Trim the green beans, shell the peas, and peel the carrots. Then, cut the carrots into thin strips.
- In a large pot, bring plenty of water to a boil. Once boiling, add the green beans, followed by the carrots, and cook for 7-8 minutes. The vegetables should remain crisp, not overcooked.
- Drain the vegetables and immediately transfer them into a bowl of ice water. This process will cool them down quickly and preserve their vibrant color. Set the vegetables aside.
-
-
Prepare the Filling:
- Finely chop the chives.
- In a small bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, grated Pecorino, and chopped chives. Add a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. Stir in the extra virgin olive oil, mixing until smooth.
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Assemble the Puff Pastry:
- Lay a sheet of puff pastry on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
- Spread a layer of ricotta mixture over the pastry, followed by a layer of the prepared vegetables (green beans, carrots, and peas) and then a layer of thinly sliced cooked ham. Ensure the layers are spread evenly.
- Repeat the layers, starting again with the ricotta mixture, then the vegetables.
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Shape and Decorate:
- Separate the egg yolk from the egg white. Use the egg white to brush the edges of the pastry, helping to seal the edges.
- Using a crimped pastry cutter, trim the excess pastry from the edges to round them off, creating a neat finish.
- Roll out the leftover pastry scraps and use a small cookie cutter to create decorative shapes, such as circles, to place on the edges of the pastry for decoration.
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Chill the Pastry:
- Place the assembled pastry in the refrigerator for about 10 minutes. This will help the puff pastry hold its shape during baking.
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Bake:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C for fan-assisted ovens).
- Bake the pastry for around 30 minutes (20 minutes if using a fan-assisted oven), or until golden and crispy.
-
Serve:
- Once cooked, remove the puff pastry from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Slice and enjoy this delicious, savory appetizer!
This delightful puff pastry with ham, ricotta, and vegetables combines the perfect balance of creamy, savory filling with the crisp, buttery layers of puff pastry. Ideal for any gathering or special occasion, it’s sure to impress your guests!
