Spinach and Feta Pastries

Delight your taste buds with these Mini Spinach and Feta Pastries, a charming and flavourful vegetarian appetizer. This recipe combines the creamy tang of feta cheese with nutrient-rich spinach, encased in a crisp, golden puff pastry. Perfect for parties or as a savoury snack or vegetarian appetizer, these mini pastries are not only delicious but also visually appealing and easy to make.

Ingredients:

•   500g frozen chopped spinach
•   180g crumbled feta cheese (approx. 1.25 cups)
•   1/2 cup finely sliced spring onions
•   1 tablespoon freshly chopped parsley
•   1 teaspoon minced garlic
•   1/3 teaspoon dried dill
•   1 tablespoon olive oil
•   1/2 teaspoon salt
•   1/4 teaspoon black pepper
•   1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
•   2 eggs
•   3 sheets of puff pastry
•   Spray oil for greasing the tray

Instructions:

1.  Start by defrosting the spinach. Once defrosted, place it in a strainer over a bowl and squeeze out all the excess liquid.
2.  In a large mixing bowl, combine the strained spinach, crumbled feta, spring onions, parsley, garlic, dill, olive oil, salt, pepper, and lemon juice. Stir until the ingredients are well mixed.
3.  Adjust the seasoning of the mixture to your liking.
4.  In a separate small bowl, whisk one egg and blend it into the spinach mixture for a cohesive filling.
5.  Preheat your oven to 180°C. Lightly grease a mini muffin tray with spray oil.
6.  Thaw the puff pastry sheets.
7.  Cut each pastry sheet into nine equal squares.
8.  Press each square into the mini muffin tray slots, forming a base for the pasties.
9.  Spoon the spinach mixture into the pastry bases, distributing it evenly.
10. Fold overhanging pastry over the filling, pinching at the top to seal the pasties.
11. Whisk the remaining egg in a bowl and brush it over the pasties for a golden finish.
12. Bake for 30 minutes or until the pasties turn golden brown and crisp.

Notes:

•   Yields about 24 spinach and feta pastries
•   These pasties are great served either warm or cold.

Nutritional Information (per pasty):

•   Calories: Approx. 150 kcal
•   Protein: 4g
•   Carbohydrates: 15g
•   Fat: 8g
•   Fibre: 1g
•   Sugar: 1g
•   Sodium: 200mg

(Note: Nutritional values are approximate and can vary based on specific ingredients used.)

Enjoy these delightful spinach and feta appetizers as a light lunch, a party snack, or even as a tasty addition to your high tea menu.

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FAQ’s

Is Spanakopita the Same as Quiche?

Spanakopita and quiche are quite different dishes, although they both belong to the broad category of savoury pies. Here’s a quick comparison:

• Spanakopita is a traditional Greek pie made with phyllo pastry, spinach, feta cheese, onions, and seasonings. It’s characterized by its flaky pastry layers and is often made in a large pan and cut into squares or triangles, or it can be made into individual triangular pastries.
• Quiche is a French tart consisting of pastry crust filled with eggs, cream or milk, and cheese, meat, seafood, or vegetables. The egg and cream mixture bakes up custardy and creamy. Quiche is usually round and can be served warm or cold.

The main differences between the two are the type of pastry used (phyllo for spanakopita and a shortcrust or puff pastry for quiche), the filling (spanakopita is primarily spinach and feta, while quiche is egg-based with various add-ins), and their origins (Greek vs. French).