Ingredients and Weight:
- Zucchini (courgette): 1 large or 2 small, about 250 grams each
- Ground meat (e.g., chicken, beef, or pork): 300 grams
- Puff pastry sheets: 8 pieces (standard size)
- Fresh herbs (e.g., basil or oregano): 1 tablespoon dried or 2 tablespoons fresh, chopped
- Egg: 1
- Salt and pepper: to taste
- Oil for frying: 1-2 tablespoons
Preparation Time:
- Preparation: 30 minutes
- Cooking: 40 minutes
- Total: 70 minutes
Difficulty Level: Level 3 (Moderate)
Preparation Method Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F.
- Grate or shred the zucchini and squeeze out excess moisture.
- In a bowl, combine the ground meat, shredded zucchini, herbs, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Lay out the puff pastry sheets. Cut each sheet into four squares or circles.
- Place spoonfuls of the meat mixture onto each pastry piece, leaving space around the edges.
- Fold the pastry over the filling to form a puff and press the edges to seal.
- Brush the puffs with oil and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
- Serve hot or warm with your choice of dipping sauce or condiments.
Nutritional Information: (Per serving)
Calories: Approx. 350-400 depending on filling and serving size.
Fat: 20-25g, Carbohydrates: 30-40g, Protein: 20-25g.
Dish Characteristics:
- These puffs are a combination of a savory meat filling with a crispy, flaky pastry exterior.
- The dish offers a balance of flavors with the sweetness of the pastry and the rich taste of the meat filling.
- Zucchini adds a unique and refreshing vegetable aspect to the dish without overpowering the other flavors.
User Comments:
- "These puffs were amazing! The combination of flavors was spot on." - John Doe
- "The pastry was crispy and flaky, while the filling was juicy and flavorful." - Jane Smith
- "I loved the addition of zucchini in the filling, it added a fresh note to the dish." - Michael Johnson
Special Precautions and Tips:
- Handle the pastry sheets carefully to avoid breaking them while filling and folding.
- Make sure to seal the edges of the puffs well to prevent leakage during baking.
- Adjust seasoning according to preference, adding more salt or pepper if desired.