SPINACH STUFFED PASTRY

INGREDIENTS:

For the Spinach Filling:

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 small onion, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

300g (about 10 ounces) fresh spinach, washed and roughly chopped

200g (about 7 ounces) ricotta cheese

100g (about 3.5 ounces) feta cheese, crumbled

1 egg, lightly beaten

Salt and pepper, to taste

A pinch of nutmeg (optional)

For the Pastry:

1 package (about 400g or 14 ounces) puff pastry, thawed if frozen

1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Sesame seeds or poppy seeds for garnish (optional)

DIRECTIONS:

Preparing the Spinach Filling:

Cook the Onion and Garlic: In a large pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Add the Spinach: To the same pan, add the chopped spinach in batches, allowing each batch to wilt down before adding the next. Cook until all the spinach has wilted and most of the liquid has evaporated, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.

Combine with Cheeses: Transfer the spinach mixture to a large mixing bowl. Add the ricotta and feta cheeses, the beaten egg, salt, pepper, and nutmeg if using. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly combined. Set aside …