Description
Savory Mediterranean pastry pinwheels blend feta, herbs, and olives into a delightful appetizer. Crisp layers of phyllo pastry create an elegant starter that guests will eagerly enjoy.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 sheet puff pastry
- 1 cup (100 grams / 3.5 oz) fresh spinach, finely chopped
- ½ cup (75 grams / 2.6 oz) crumbled feta cheese
- ¼ cup (40 grams / 1.4 oz) chopped sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed, drained)
- ¼ cup (40 grams / 1.4 oz) chopped black or Kalamata olives
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Filling Fusion: Combine spinach, feta, sun-dried tomatoes, kalamata olives, garlic, oregano, and black pepper in a mixing bowl, stirring until ingredients meld harmoniously.
- Pastry Preparation: Lay puff pastry on a floured surface, spreading the filling evenly, leaving a one-inch border along the far edge to prevent overflow.
- Rolling Technique: Carefully roll the pastry from the nearest long edge into a compact cylindrical log, sealing the final edge with a gentle brush of beaten egg to ensure a secure closure.
- Chilling and Slicing: Freeze the pastry log for 10-15 minutes to stabilize the dough, then slice into half-inch medallions, revealing the spiraled interior with precision.
- Baking Arrangement: Arrange pinwheel rounds cut-side up on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving slight spacing between each piece. Brush with beaten egg to create a lustrous golden surface.
- Oven Transformation: Bake in a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven for 18-22 minutes, allowing the pastries to puff and bronzed, developing a crisp, flaky exterior.
- Serving Preparation: Rest the pinwheels briefly after removing from the oven, allowing them to cool to a comfortable temperature that accentuates their Mediterranean-inspired flavors.
Notes
- Maximize Filling Distribution: Chop ingredients finely and mix thoroughly to guarantee balanced flavor in every bite, preventing clumping or uneven ingredient spread.
- Prevent Pastry Sogginess: Pat sun-dried tomatoes and spinach dry before mixing to reduce excess moisture that could compromise the pastry’s crisp texture.
- Temperature Control Matters: Freeze pastry log briefly to maintain sharp edges during slicing and ensure uniform pinwheel shapes with clean, defined spirals.
- Customize Dietary Needs: Swap ingredients easily – use dairy-free feta for vegan version, gluten-free puff pastry for celiac-friendly option, or add protein like pine nuts for extra nutrition.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 11
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 230 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 13 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg