These savory ground meat puff pastry circles are the perfect handheld snack, appetizer, or light meal. The crispy, flaky pastry envelops a flavorful ground meat filling made with onions, garlic, and spices, creating a deliciously satisfying bite-sized treat.
Preparation, Cook, and Total Times
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Cuisine: Mediterranean, Finger Foods, Savory Snacks
Ingredients
- 2 sheets puff pastry (approximately 500 g), thawed if frozen
- 500 g (1 lb) ground meat (beef, pork, chicken, or turkey)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small carrot, grated (optional)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano or thyme
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 egg yolk, beaten (for brushing)
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds or poppy seeds (optional, for garnish)
Step-by-Step Cooking Directions
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Prepare the Meat Filling:
Heat olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing for 2-3 minutes until softened. Stir in the grated carrot (if using) and cook for another 2 minutes.
Add the ground meat to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Stir in the tomato paste, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. Continue cooking for 3-5 minutes until the mixture is well combined and slightly thickened. Remove from heat and let cool slightly. -
Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. -
Assemble the Pastries:
Roll out the puff pastry sheets on a floured surface. Using a round cutter, such as a glass or a cookie cutter, cut the pastry into circles (about 4-5 inches in diameter).
Place a spoonful of the meat filling in the center of each pastry circle, leaving a small border around the edges. Fold the pastry over the filling to create a half-moon shape or close it into a round pocket shape. Seal the edges by pressing with a fork to ensure they stay closed during baking. -
Prepare for Baking:
Arrange the filled puff pastry circles on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops with the beaten egg yolk for a golden, glossy finish.
Optionally, sprinkle sesame or poppy seeds on top for added flavor and texture. -
Bake the Pastries:
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the puff pastry is puffed, golden brown, and crispy. Keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking. -
Serve:
Allow the pastries to cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy them warm as an appetizer, snack, or main dish.
Nutritional Information
- Serving size: 1 pastry
- Calories: 250
- Total Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
- Sodium: 300mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 20g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 2g
- Protein: 12g
- Vitamin A: 15%
- Vitamin C: 5%
- Calcium: 2%
- Iron: 10%
The Origins and Popularity of the Recipe
Puff pastry is a classic pastry dough used in many different cultures, particularly in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisines. This recipe takes inspiration from savory pastries like empanadas or böreks. The ground meat filling combined with flaky puff pastry is universally loved and makes for an easy-to-eat, flavorful snack or meal. These puff pastry circles are perfect for gatherings, parties, or as a simple yet impressive dish for family meals.
Reasons Why You’ll Love the Recipe
- Quick and Easy: These puff pastry circles are simple to prepare and cook in under an hour.
- Flavorful: The combination of seasoned ground meat, garlic, onion, and spices creates a deliciously rich filling.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Great as an appetizer, snack, or part of a larger meal. These pastries are ideal for picnics, parties, or casual dinners.
- Customizable: You can modify the filling to suit your taste – add veggies, different meats, or extra seasonings to make it your own.
Health Benefits
- Good Source of Protein: Ground meat provides a solid amount of protein, essential for muscle repair and growth.
- Rich in Vitamins: The vegetables in the filling (like carrots and onions) offer essential vitamins such as Vitamin A and C, supporting immunity and skin health.
- Customizable for Healthier Versions: You can adjust the filling by using lean meats, adding more vegetables, or even making a vegetarian version with plant-based proteins.
Serving Suggestions
- With a Side Salad: Pair these puff pastry circles with a fresh green salad for a balanced meal.
- With Dips: Serve with tzatziki, ketchup, or a spicy yogurt dip for added flavor.
- With Soup: Serve alongside a bowl of soup, such as tomato or lentil soup, for a hearty meal.
- For Snack Time: Perfect for an afternoon snack or as part of a finger food platter at parties.
Cooking Tips
- Don’t Overfill the Pastry: Be careful not to overfill the puff pastry, as it can cause the pastry to burst open during baking.
- Seal the Edges Well: Ensure the edges of the pastry are sealed tightly to prevent the filling from leaking out while baking.
- Use Thawed Puff Pastry: If using frozen puff pastry, ensure it is completely thawed before working with it to avoid tearing.
Variations to Try
- Add Cheese: For extra richness, you can add shredded cheese like mozzarella or cheddar to the filling.
- Spicy Version: Add chopped chili peppers or chili flakes to the meat mixture for a spicy twist.
- Vegetarian Version: Substitute the meat with sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, and bell peppers for a veggie-packed filling.
- Herbs: Experiment with different herbs like basil, parsley, or rosemary for additional flavor.
Conclusion
These ground meat puff pastry circles are easy to make, flavorful, and perfect for any occasion. Whether served as an appetizer, snack, or part of a main meal, they are sure to be a hit with family and friends. The flaky puff pastry combined with the savory filling makes them a delicious and versatile dish everyone will enjoy.
10 Comprehensive FAQs
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Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes, you can use beef, pork, chicken, or turkey depending on your preference. -
Can I make these in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the pastries ahead of time and refrigerate them until ready to bake. -
How do I store leftover pastries?
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate them for up to 3 days. -
Can I freeze these puff pastry pockets?
Yes, you can freeze them before baking. Just place them on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time. -
Can I add more vegetables to the filling?
Absolutely! You can add mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers to the meat filling for extra flavor. -
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes, you can use gluten-free puff pastry to make this recipe gluten-free. -
How can I make these vegetarian?
Use a mixture of sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, and zucchini instead of meat. -
How do I bake these in advance?
You can bake them in advance and reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to crisp them up. -
What can I serve with these puff pastry circles?
Serve them with a salad, soup, or dipping sauces like ketchup, tzatziki, or hummus. -
Can I make these puff pastry circles ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble them ahead of time and refrigerate them until you’re ready to bake.