Savory Puff Pastry with Minced Meat and Cheese

Ingredients:

For the Filling:

• Puff pastry (1 sheet or as needed)
• Butter (for greasing)
• 1 onion (finely chopped)
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 300g minced meat (beef, chicken, or pork)
• Salt and black pepper (to taste)
• 100g cheese (grated, such as mozzarella or cheddar)
• 1 bunch of parsley (chopped)
• 2 boiled eggs (chopped)

For the Egg Wash:

• 1 egg yolk (for glazing)

For the Yogurt Dip:

• 2-3 pickled cucumbers (chopped)
• 1 garlic clove (minced)
• 3-4 tbsp white yogurt
• Salt and pepper (to taste)

Directions:

1. Prepare the Filling:
   • In a pan, melt some butter and sauté the chopped onion until soft and golden.
   • Add the minced meat to the pan, season with salt, pepper, and dried basil, and cook until browned.
   • Once the meat is cooked, stir in the chopped boiled eggs, grated cheese, and chopped parsley. Remove from heat and let the filling cool slightly.
2. Assemble the Puff Pastry:
   • Preheat your oven to 150°C (300°F).
   • Roll out the puff pastry on a floured surface and cut it into the desired shape (squares, rectangles, or circles).
   • Place a spoonful of the filling in the center of each piece of pastry.
   • Fold the pastry over the filling to enclose it, pressing the edges together to seal.
   • Brush the top of each pastry with egg yolk for a golden finish.
3. Bake:
   • Place the filled pastries on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 30 minutes, or until golden and puffed.
4. Prepare the Yogurt Dip:
   • In a small bowl, mix the chopped pickled cucumbers, minced garlic, and yogurt. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir well.
5. Serve:
   • Serve the warm puff pastries with the yogurt dip on the side.

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve with a fresh green salad for a light meal.
• Enjoy as a snack or appetizer at parties or gatherings.
• Pair with a chilled glass of white wine or iced tea.
• Add some spicy mustard or ketchup as additional dipping options.

Cooking Tips:

• If you’re in a rush, store-bought puff pastry works perfectly for this recipe.
• Make sure to fully cook the minced meat to avoid any raw taste in the filling.
• You can experiment with different cheeses or herbs to suit your preference.

Nutritional Benefits:

• Puff pastry provides a satisfying, flaky texture.
• Minced meat is a good source of protein.
• The yogurt dip adds a creamy, tangy contrast, with probiotics for gut health.

Dietary Information:

• Contains dairy and eggs.
• Not suitable for vegetarians (due to the minced meat).