Savory Puff Pastry Swirl with Spinach, Radicchio, and Cheeses
Category: Savory Pies and Pastries
Serves: 8
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Radicchio | 200g |
| Spinach | 200g |
| Emmental cheese | 100g |
| Mozzarella | 200g |
| Ricotta cheese | 150g |
| Cooked ham (prosciutto cotto) | 100g |
| Puff pastry | 230g – 460g |
| Extra virgin olive oil | 30g |
| Salt | To taste |
| Black pepper | To taste |
| Fresh thyme | To taste |
| Garlic cloves | 2 |
| Nutmeg | To taste |
| Egg | 1 |
Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount per serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 300 kcal |
| Protein | 15g |
| Carbohydrates | 25g |
| Fat | 18g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sodium | 350mg |
Instructions
Step 1: Preparing the Spinach Filling
Start by thoroughly washing the spinach under cold water. In a non-stick pan, heat 15g of extra virgin olive oil over low heat and add one garlic clove, lightly crushed. Once the garlic begins to release its aroma, add the spinach to the pan. Cook the spinach for about 7-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are tender and wilted. Once cooked, remove the garlic and transfer the spinach to a bowl. Allow the spinach to cool and release any excess moisture by letting it drain in the bowl.
Step 2: Preparing the Ricotta Filling
Take a fine-mesh strainer and place it over another bowl. Using a spatula, press the ricotta cheese through the strainer to remove excess moisture and achieve a smoother texture. Once strained, combine the ricotta with the cooled spinach mixture. Season with salt, black pepper, and a dash of freshly grated nutmeg to taste. Set this mixture aside.
Step 3: Preparing the Radicchio Filling
Wash the radicchio thoroughly. In a separate non-stick pan, heat the remaining 15g of olive oil and add the second garlic clove, crushed. Add the radicchio to the pan and sauté it over medium heat until it wilts and becomes tender, about 5-6 minutes. Once cooked, discard the garlic. Cube the Emmental cheese and stir it into the radicchio. Adjust seasoning with salt, black pepper, and fresh thyme leaves. To help bind the mixture, add a teaspoon of water. Mix well and set aside.
Step 4: Preparing the Mozzarella
Slice the mozzarella into thin rounds. Place a colander over a bowl and arrange the mozzarella slices in it, allowing the excess liquid to drain. This step is essential to prevent sogginess in the puff pastry.
Step 5: Rolling the Pastry
Roll out the puff pastry sheets on a clean surface using a rolling pin. Aim for a rectangular shape, approximately 40 cm by 30 cm. Slice the pastry into strips about 11 cm high. You should end up with several rectangular pieces of dough.
Step 6: Assembling the Fillings
On one of the pastry rectangles, spread a layer of the spinach and ricotta mixture, leaving about 1 cm of border on each side. Repeat the same with the radicchio and Emmental filling on another rectangle. Place a few slices of drained mozzarella on top of each filling.
Step 7: Sealing and Rolling
Carefully brush the edges of the pastry with a beaten egg to help seal the dough. Fold the sides of the pastry over the filling, pressing gently to close it, then roll it into a log shape. Repeat this process with the remaining pastry and fillings until you have 6 rolls, each filled with a different combination of spinach, radicchio, cheese, and ham.
Step 8: Forming the Swirl
Next, take the rolls and start forming them into a swirl. Begin by placing one roll in the center of a baking dish lined with parchment paper, then spiral it into a tight swirl. Attach another roll to the first by pressing the ends together gently. If necessary, brush the ends of the rolls with some more beaten egg to ensure they stick together. Continue this process until all the rolls are attached and form a large swirl.
Step 9: Baking the Girella
Preheat your oven to 200°C (392°F) for a conventional oven or 180°C (356°F) for a fan-assisted oven. Bake the savory puff pastry swirl for 20-25 minutes, or 10-15 minutes if using a fan oven, until golden brown and crisp.
Step 10: Serving
Once baked, remove the puff pastry swirl from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes. Slice into wedges and serve warm. This savory pastry is perfect for a lunch or dinner with a fresh salad or as an appetizer for your next party.
Tips for Success
- Ensure you drain the mozzarella and spinach thoroughly to prevent any excess liquid from making the pastry soggy.
- Experiment with different fillings based on your preferences—try adding sautéed mushrooms, prosciutto, or even a drizzle of balsamic glaze for extra flavor.
- You can prepare the puff pastry rolls ahead of time and refrigerate them until ready to bake, making this a great option for meal prepping.
This Savory Puff Pastry Swirl with Spinach, Radicchio, and Cheeses is a deliciously indulgent dish that combines fresh ingredients with a crispy, flaky pastry crust. Whether you’re serving it for a casual family dinner or as a stunning centerpiece for a festive gathering, this savory treat will surely be a hit.
